Reproduced from the SIU Alumni’s Oral History Project.

“My experience with SIU was life changing, such was my academic hunger. My first exposure to college was while I was in the Illinois Department of Corrections, in a maximum-security setting. The SIU professors and advisors who came in (‘behind the walls’) were brave and committed. They knew the good they were doing for society at large, and for individual peoples’ development. The professors were inspiring, gave me hope and direction, and delivered great relevant content, all in a time of need. I appreciated them and particularly remember instructors of journalism and social work and linguistics.

Later I transferred to work release in Carbondale (while still in custody) where I continued my studies and eventually worked for the Director of Student Work, James F. Moore. Mr. Moore was instrumental in my transition to freedom and my professional outlook, more than any other single person except maybe my mother. I enjoyed a solid career, and am now active in causes of social justice. I am writing, including a memoire. In the day, I was seemingly part of a more proactive rehabilitation effort – I survived when many/most didn’t; such effort could and should be improved.

The academic influence of SIU was for me, the setting of a standard of liberal democracy. Such developmental action proves that people can go wrong and truly come back, and that it is socially productive to help them. At SIU, I experienced people who ‘walked the talk’. In my opinion, we sorely need to nurture and retain such responsible effort in the country today. I was lucky to have experienced SIU and will be forever appreciative.”