Storied - The 55th
The Project
In celebration of the University’s upcoming 55th anniversary, we are very excited to partner with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to conduct Storied – The 55th , A UIS Alumni Oral History Project, the full-scale alumni oral history program which will provide an opportunity for all 45,000+ living alumni to share their story, in their words.
This effort is reminiscent of the now time-honored tradition of curating oral history and empowering individuals to share their stories and memories. The University’s founding faculty, staff and students began this tradition in the 1970’s; and during the University’s 40th anniversary celebration, the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and UIS Archives continued this tradition.
Every Prairie Star has a story, and the UIS Alumni Association wants to hear yours. Literally thousands of alumni stories are lying dormant, just waiting to be told. However, with over 45,000 living alumni, it would take many years to meet with each of you individually. That’s why we’re partnering with PCI to complete this effort.
These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the University’s impact on your lives and who you are today. Our other partner in this project – the UIS Archives unit – will also receive these stories.
Why now?
Every year we don’t capture and preserve these stories, it feels like another opportunity lost, so we’re excited to get started today!
This is a project we planned to embark upon in 2020, in celebration of the University’s 50th anniversary – our Golden Anniversary. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, our focus shifted completely and solely to health and safety for the University community, with staff roles and business operations purposely focused on safety and wellness for all.
As we are in the Golden Era, there is no time like the present. It’s time.
Have You Moved?
As part of this project, we are also taking this opportunity to help make it easier for you to stay connected to the University. PCI will help us collect updated contact information from those of you who may have moved and inadvertently lost touch with our alma mater.
Your Story
So, what memory or story will you tell?
- Did a special faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
- Did you meet your sweetheart at the University?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment at our alma mater?
- Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
- Were you on campus during a historical moment?
- What was it like to be a student on a campus in its founding years?
- Are you a Prairie Stars legacy?
PCI Partnership
To be honest, with our limited resources, we’d never be able to tackle a project the scope and size of this. This is a big and bold effort.
By partnering with PCI, we’re able to access their trained staff of real, live human beings who are excited to listen to what you have to share. PCI will also help collect and assemble the stories into the Storied-The 55th book that we can share with all Prairie Stars. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.
Do I Have to Buy Something?
No. This project is being done at NO COST to the University. The project is completely funded by the alumni who choose to purchase the Storied book that will be produced at the end of the project. Various book packages will be offered. PCI will also offer you the option to purchase other University branded merchandise such as a sweatshirt or travel bag. You are welcome to purchase these items, but you are not required to do so to participate in the project or order the Storied-The 55th book.
Again, we’d never be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing alumni and partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates in and chooses to purchase the book.
What’s Next?
Soon you will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. We’d like to invite you to share one of your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni. The PCI team will collect stories until July 11, 2025. After that, they will enter a post-production editing phase. We hope to have the book distributed in late 2025 or early 2026.
We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you regarding your memories and your journey which helped make you who you are.
What to Look For
Below is an example of a postcard you will receive in the mail. This is an official postcard sent on behalf of the University, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your story.
Below is an example of an email you will receive in your inbox. Once you receive the email, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your memory. If you do not receive it, please take this opportunity to call PCI at 1-877-403-4984 and update your contact information so we can stay connected.
FAQs
Additional answers to frequently asked questions regarding Storied – The 55th are available.
Contact Information
If you have any other questions regarding the project, please reach out to the PCI customer service desk at 1-800-982-1590 or PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com or the UIS Division of Advancement at advancement@uis.edu.