Dublin Core
Title
Miriam Orzech Oral History Interview (2 of 4)
Description
In this interivew, Miriam “Mimi” Orzech discusses Lonnie B. Harris' work with the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) at Oregon State University. The interview begins with a discussion of Orzech’s position within the EOP, how she became involved, and the general campus climate surrounding race. Orzech then discloses that the EOP was originally known as the Office of Minorities and Special Services Program (OMSSP), which was run entirely by white personnel in its first year, and that most of the forty students who were enlisted to participate were white.
Harris’ position as director in the first few years entailed recruiting in black communities of Portland, fostering relationships and serving as a liaison between those communities and the university. In reflecting on this time, Orzech recalls significant amount of institutionalized racism in schools and cites several examples at both the high school and collegiate level. She then ties the broader discussion of institutionalized racism in education to the importance of the 3% Program at OSU. The 3% Program, Orzech explains, is a special admissions policy whereby three percent of the incoming class would be evaluated according to alternative admissions standards. Orzech explains in detail the extra processes involved with this type of admission and the careful consideration of each student by the staff of the EOP. Ultimately, the 3% Program resulted in 100-130 students admitted to the EOP each year.
Orzech also discusses Harris’ participation in the formation of the Black Cultural Center (BCC). She touches on the obstacles Harris encountered in establishing the BCC, such as finding the money and a location for a building, and she underscores the immense importance for black students having their own space.
Concerning the legacy of Lonnie B. Harris, Orzech suggests that naming the BCC after him is incredibly significant since, at the time, it may have been the only state-owned building named after an African American. The interview concludes with Orzech's remembrances of Harris’ kindness and his dedication to the Educational Opportunities Program and the Black Cultural Center.
Harris’ position as director in the first few years entailed recruiting in black communities of Portland, fostering relationships and serving as a liaison between those communities and the university. In reflecting on this time, Orzech recalls significant amount of institutionalized racism in schools and cites several examples at both the high school and collegiate level. She then ties the broader discussion of institutionalized racism in education to the importance of the 3% Program at OSU. The 3% Program, Orzech explains, is a special admissions policy whereby three percent of the incoming class would be evaluated according to alternative admissions standards. Orzech explains in detail the extra processes involved with this type of admission and the careful consideration of each student by the staff of the EOP. Ultimately, the 3% Program resulted in 100-130 students admitted to the EOP each year.
Orzech also discusses Harris’ participation in the formation of the Black Cultural Center (BCC). She touches on the obstacles Harris encountered in establishing the BCC, such as finding the money and a location for a building, and she underscores the immense importance for black students having their own space.
Concerning the legacy of Lonnie B. Harris, Orzech suggests that naming the BCC after him is incredibly significant since, at the time, it may have been the only state-owned building named after an African American. The interview concludes with Orzech's remembrances of Harris’ kindness and his dedication to the Educational Opportunities Program and the Black Cultural Center.
Creator
Miriam Orzech
Source
Horner Museum Oral History Collection (OH 10)
Publisher
Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Oregon State University Libraries
Date
August 13, 1987
Contributor
Michael Lomas
Format
Digitized audiocassette
Language
English
Type
Oral History
Identifier
oh10-orzech-miriam-19870813
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Interviewer
Michael Lomas
Interviewee
Miriam Orzech
Location
Administration Building, Oregon State University
Original Format
Audiocassette
Duration
0:48:41
OHMS Object
Interview Format
audio