Newcomb College Alumnae Oral History Project Collection
Description
The Newcomb College Alumnae Oral History Project grew out of a popular weekly series hosted by the Newcomb College Center for Research on Women (then known as the Newcomb Women’s Center) in the early 1980s, during which faculty members would interview a local alum. The recordings of these interviews formed the beginning of the Newcomb Archives’ oral history collection. The Alumnae Oral History Project officially began in 1986, with a series of interviews inspired by the College’s centennial year. Over the years, the collection has grown to include interviews with alumnae from 1910 through the late 1990s.
When it first began, no formal program was in place. For this reason, permission forms and additional paper work may be missing for some interviews. Most of interviews were originally recorded on cassette tapes. Since 2004, interviews have been recorded in a digital format. Since the early 2000s, the staff of the Newcomb Archives has worked to digitize all interviews.
The alums interviewed explore memories of their days in college, as well as how their lives evolved after leaving Newcomb. Many have different perspectives on Newcomb’s past, and every alum has an individual voice. Together, the interviews create a more complete picture of the historic Newcomb College and its influence on the lives of its alums.
Pages
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- Amoss, Pearl Pool
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Pearl C. Pool Amoss (1897-2001) was a lifelong resident ot New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1921 with a major in Art. At Newcomb, sh
Show morePearl C. Pool Amoss (1897-2001) was a lifelong resident ot New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1921 with a major in Art. At Newcomb, she was a member of Chi Omega, the Newcomb Athletic Association, the Student Council, the Dramatic Club, and the Debating Club. She was the Art Representative to the Newcomb Student Government and was on the Finance Committee. In this interview with Susan Tucker, Pearl covers her time at Newcomb and her life since.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
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- 2018-09-28T18:06:26.494Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Crosby, Deborah Berry
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Deborah Berry Crosby (1930-2016) graduated from Newcomb College in 1951. She earned a Master of Arts from Indiana State University in 1968, and did po
Show moreDeborah Berry Crosby (1930-2016) graduated from Newcomb College in 1951. She earned a Master of Arts from Indiana State University in 1968, and did post graduate work at Utah State University in 1969. She did additional postgraduate work at Tulane University in 1979 and earned an honorary Bachelors from the Univeristy of New Orleans in 1984. She was a teacher and artist. In this interview, Deborah discusses her artwork, the trajectory of her career as an artist, and her time as a student at Newcomb.
Class of 1951
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T14:02:47.665Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Bunting, Ethel-Jane Westfeldt
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Ethel-Jane Westfeldt Bunting (1907-1997) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1929. While at Newcomb, she was a member of Pi B
Show moreEthel-Jane Westfeldt Bunting (1907-1997) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1929. While at Newcomb, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Sigma Sigma, the French Circle, the YWCA, the Dramatic Club, the Student Council, and was editor of the Arcade. She played both hockey and volleyball. After graduation, Ethel-Jane married economist Frederick H. Bunting whose employment allowed Ethel-Jane to travel widely. During time in Pakistan, Ethel-Jane studied the culture and history of the Lower Sind Valley and Baluchistan, collecting materials for an exhibit on Sindhi culture for the Smithsonian Institute. Her work on the Sind Valley and Baluchistan led her to write a book entitled "Sindhi Tombs and Textiles: The Persistence of Pattern" (1980). In this interview with Florence Bass, Ethel-Jane discusses her time at Newcomb and her life since.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
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- 2018-09-28T19:05:23.206Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Burk, Harriet Louise Stevens
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Harriet Louise Stevens Burk (1928-2005) graduated from Newcomb College in 1948 with a major in Art, specifically pottery. While at Newcomb, she was i
Show moreHarriet Louise Stevens Burk (1928-2005) graduated from Newcomb College in 1948 with a major in Art, specifically pottery. While at Newcomb, she was involved in La Tertulia, Art Club, Radio Workshop, and the Tulane University Theater. She wrote her senior thesis on the history of Newcomb pottery. After graduation, she went to business schooland worked as a secretary. She was a member of hte Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Confederacy. In this interview with Beth Willinger, Harriet focuses on her time at Newcomb, a liberal arts education, attending college during World War II, Newcomb pottery, and her life after Newcomb.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
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- 2018-09-28T19:05:24.65Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Cable, Renee Miester
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Renee David Miester Cable (1921-2015) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1941 with a major in English. While at Newcomb, she
Show moreRenee David Miester Cable (1921-2015) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1941 with a major in English. While at Newcomb, she was involved in Phi Mu, the Pan-Hellenic Council, Alpha Sigma Sigma, the Glee Club, Operetta, and University Theater. She received a degree in library science from Louisiana State University. She was employed by Charity Hospital, the Oschner Foundation, and American Insurance Agency. She was an active member of the Lake Vista Women's Club, Cosmopolitan International, the New Orleans Women's Club, Lake Vista Garden Club, several carnival organizations, and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. In this interview with Jennifer Daniel, Renee covers her time at Newcomb, her life in New Orleans after Newcomb, and the value of her Newcomb education.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T19:12:13.583Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Bruno, Jeanne Fernandez
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Jeanne Fernandez Bruno (b. 1926), a native New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1947. While at Newcomb, she was a cheerleader and a membe
Show moreJeanne Fernandez Bruno (b. 1926), a native New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1947. While at Newcomb, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Dance Club, the Newman club, French Club, the University Art Club, the Newcobm Athletic Association, La Tertulia, and the YWCA. After Newcomb, Jeanne danced for Lelia Haller's New Orleans Opera House Association, acted in plays at Le Petit Theatre, and danced in productions for the Crescent City Concerts Association, and taught dance in New Orleans. She also served as program director of Dance Residences in Louisiana, a division of the Louisiana State Arts Council. This interview with Genevieve Pope Jeanne focuses on her time at Newcomb and her life since.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T19:05:22.167Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Cambias, Myrl Lenfant
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Myrl Marie Lenfant Cambias, a New Orleans native, graduated from Newcomb College in 1944 with a major in English and a teaching certificate. While at
Show moreMyrl Marie Lenfant Cambias, a New Orleans native, graduated from Newcomb College in 1944 with a major in English and a teaching certificate. While at Newcomb, she was a member of the Glee Club, Operetta, the Oreades, and the YWCA. After Newcomb, Myrl taught school for a few years until deciding to stay home full time with her children and she has taught Sunday school for many years. In this interview with Jennifer Daniel, Myrl focuses on her time at Newcomb, her preparation for college, the experience of attending college during World War II, and her life after Newcomb.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T19:26:04.526Z
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- Brown, Hazel Doell
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Hazel Florence Doell Brown, a New Orleans native, (1921-2005) graduated from Newcomb College in 1943. While at Newcomb, she was involved in the Debat
Show moreHazel Florence Doell Brown, a New Orleans native, (1921-2005) graduated from Newcomb College in 1943. While at Newcomb, she was involved in the Debating Club and the Glee Club. After Newcomb, she worked in advertising in New Orleans. She took up painting as an adult and focused on New Orleans subjects such as houses. This interview covers Hazel's time as Newcomb, her career after Newcomb, and her painting hobby.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
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- 2018-09-28T18:44:55.373Z
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- Bissinger, Marjorie Isaacson
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Marjorie Isaacson Bissenger grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1949 with a major in Theater and Dance. While at Newcomb sh
Show moreMarjorie Isaacson Bissenger grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1949 with a major in Theater and Dance. While at Newcomb she was involved in Alpha Epsilon Phi, Radio Club, Volleyball, and University Theater. After Newcomb Marjorie taught dance and nursury school at the Jewish Community Center and promoted reading and literacy in schools and libraries. She portrayed "Elf," the storyteller on "Let's Tell a Story," a children's program on WDSU-TV from 1958-1975. She was the recipient of the Jewish Endowment Foundation's Tzedakah Award and the Hannah G. Colomon Award. She served on the board of the Jewish Community Center, Hillel, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children), and Jewish Family Services. In this interview with Maren Heller, Marjorie focuses on her experiences at Newcomb, dance, and briefly covers her life after Newcomb.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
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- 2018-09-28T18:44:53.863Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Fossier, Mildred
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Mildred Fossier (1912-2011) grew up in New Orleans. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and from Newcomb College in 1938 with a degree in history.
Show moreMildred Fossier (1912-2011) grew up in New Orleans. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and from Newcomb College in 1938 with a degree in history. She obtained a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University in 1954. During WWII she worked for the Federal Civil Service and was the first woman division head. After obtaining her masters, she became the director of social services for Milne Boys Home. In 1963 she became the first woman department head of the city. She was appointed the director of welfare under Mayor Vicor H. Shiro. In 1972, Mayor Moon Landrieu appointed her Director of the Department of Parks and Parkways. She retired in 1979, but remained active in civic service. Fossier worked alongside Congresswoman Lindy Boggs to establish the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. Fossier also served on the boards of several organizations, including the Girlscouts of Southeast Louisiana, the Council on Aging, the League of Women Voters, and the Wetland Conservation Committee. She also served as a volunteer environmental consultant to the Mayor of New Orleans. In this interview with Bridget Burrell, Mildred discusses her time at Newcomb and her life since.
Class of 1938
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-23T13:54:41.263Z
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- Depp, Karen Deener
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Karen Deener Depp is the daughter of David R. Deener who was Acting Dean of Newcomb College in 1966, Provost from 1967-1976, and held other administra
Show moreKaren Deener Depp is the daughter of David R. Deener who was Acting Dean of Newcomb College in 1966, Provost from 1967-1976, and held other administrative positions at Tulane and Newcomb. Karen graduated from Newcomb College in 1966 with a BA in American Studies. Karen served on the President's Council in 1993, was President of the Tulane Alumni Association from 1997-1998 and President of the Newcomb Alumnae Association from 1993-1995. Outside of Newcomb related activities, Karen was the owner of New Orleans Custom Linens and New Orleans At Home, boutiques in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, respectively. In this interview with Brooke Barberra, Karen discusses her experience growing up at Newcomb College, attending Newcomb, and her life since graduating from Newcomb.
Class of 1966
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T14:28:51.175Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Field, Beatrice
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Beatrice "Bea" McMillan Field (1908-1986) grew up in Lake Charles, LA, graduated from Newcomb College in 1928, and earned an MA from Tulane University
Show moreBeatrice "Bea" McMillan Field (1908-1986) grew up in Lake Charles, LA, graduated from Newcomb College in 1928, and earned an MA from Tulane University in 1942. While at Newcomb, she was involved in YWCA, Cabinte, Dramatic Club, Debating Club, Alpha Sigma Sigma, Debating Council, Class President, House Houncil, Volley Ball, Newcomb Basketball, Spalding Basketball, Baseball, Student Body President, and Tulane Student Council. While in graduate school, she served as graduate manager of student activities at Tulane. Beatrice was the first woman to be appointed to be Director of Tulane Alumni relations and continued in this capacity until 1976. In 1983, Bea compiled 'Potpourri: An Assortment of Tulane's People and Places.' Shortly before her death in 1986, she received Newcomb's Lifetime Service Award. In this interview with Karen Smith, Bea focuses on her time as a student at Newcomb College.
Class of 1942
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T21:41:11.492Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Guillory, Monique Ann
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Monique Ann Guillory (also known as "Monique Guillory-Winfield") grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1991. She majored in Rh
Show moreMonique Ann Guillory (also known as "Monique Guillory-Winfield") grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1991. She majored in Rhetorical Communication and English Literature. She earned her MA and PhD in Comparative Literature from NYU. She has taught at various colleges and is the vice president for academic and student affairs for the Southern University System. In this interview with Gwendolyn Thompkins, Monique discusses her preparation for college, her experience at Newcomb as an African American student, and her life since Newcomb.
Class of 1991
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-24T14:01:03.691Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Hill, Paula Douglass
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Paula Douglass Hill grew up in Georgia and graduated from Newcomb College in 1958 with a major in French literature. While at Newcomb, she was a memb
Show morePaula Douglass Hill grew up in Georgia and graduated from Newcomb College in 1958 with a major in French literature. While at Newcomb, she was a member of the Newcomb Assets, Tulane Student Government, Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Wesley Foundation, the Greenbackers, Lagniappes, and the Newcomb Student Association. In this interview with Rebecca Wilson, Paula talks about her life at Newcomb College, her life after Newcomb, and her civil rights activism.
Class of 1958
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-24T14:44:33.872Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Evans, Helen Carney
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Helen Carney Evans graduated from Newcomb College in 1965. While at Newcomb, she majored in Art History and was involved with the Art Club, the Saili
Show moreHelen Carney Evans graduated from Newcomb College in 1965. While at Newcomb, she majored in Art History and was involved with the Art Club, the Sailing Club, and Alpha Omicron Pi. She received her MA and PhD from The Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. In this interveiw with Susan Tucker, Helen discusses her time at Newcomb and her life since.
Class of 1965
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T16:41:58.544Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Frank, Jean Hirsch
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Jean Lynn Hirsch Frank, a New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1944. While at Newcomb Jean was involved in the Newcomb Student Government
Show moreJean Lynn Hirsch Frank, a New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1944. While at Newcomb Jean was involved in the Newcomb Student Government Association, Newcomb Athletic Council, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Glee Club, and Tennis. In this interview with Marie Ward, Jean discusses her experiences at Newcomb including chosing a major and getting married during her junior year.
Class of 1944
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-23T15:53:45.835Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Burk, Barbara
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Barbara Bailey Bienn Burk graduated from Newcomb College in 1966 with a major in English. While at Newcomb, Barbara was involved with Sigma Delta Tau,
Show moreBarbara Bailey Bienn Burk graduated from Newcomb College in 1966 with a major in English. While at Newcomb, Barbara was involved with Sigma Delta Tau, the Spotlighters Committee, and Student Directory. After Newcomb, Barbara moved to Florida where she owns a portrait company. Barbara's painting focuses on portraits, including children, a series of judges, and pets. She is a member of the Pastel Society of America, a past-President of the Degas Pastel Society, and a founding member of the Portrait Society of America. This interview focuses on Barabara's time at Newcomb and her life since.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T19:09:30.368Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Casserleigh, Shirley
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Shirley Randolph Dunlap Casserleigh (1924-2013) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1945 with a B.A. in Ceramic Chemisty with
Show moreShirley Randolph Dunlap Casserleigh (1924-2013) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1945 with a B.A. in Ceramic Chemisty with a minor in Child Psychology. As a child she was active in Girl Scouts and graduated from Eleanor McMain High School. While at Newcomb she was involved in Kappa Alpha Theta, Newcomb Honor Board, Art Club, and Glee Club. After Newcomb, she taught at the Newcomb Nursery School and retired in 1983. In this interview with Susan Tucker, Shirley covers her time at Newcomb and her experience working in Newcomb Nursery School.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T20:16:32.107Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Dlugos, Anne Moore
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Anne Thida Moore Dlugos (b. 1925) graduated from Newcomb College in 1944 with a major in history. While at Newcomb, Anne was involved in Chi Omega, Gl
Show moreAnne Thida Moore Dlugos (b. 1925) graduated from Newcomb College in 1944 with a major in history. While at Newcomb, Anne was involved in Chi Omega, Glee Club, and Hullabaloo. After her time at Newcomb, Anne became active in the New Orleans community. In 1959 Anne was involved in Save Our Schools (SOS), an oranization formed by a group of elite white women affiliated with the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, the League of Women Voters, the YWCA and the National Council of Jewish Women. The SOS was an important and influential civil rights organization in New Orleans and challenged the city's segregationalist power structure. Anne Dlugos was on of several women who organized car pools to escort mothers and children to and from schools after integration. They also testified before the state legislature on the importance of school integration, held public meetings, and lobbied local businesses for support. In this interview with Jennifer Daniel, Anne discusses her time at Newcomb, her reasons for attending Newcomb, and her life after Newcomb.
Class of 1944
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T14:34:22.483Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Gage, Jane Pharr
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Jane Pharr Gage (1909-2014) graduated from Newcomb College in 1932 with a major in english. Jane also earned a Masters of Sociology from Newcomb Coll
Show moreJane Pharr Gage (1909-2014) graduated from Newcomb College in 1932 with a major in english. Jane also earned a Masters of Sociology from Newcomb College in 1934. She is the mother of Katherine Pharr Gage, a 1959 alumna who can be heard contributing itermittently during this interview. Jane was involved in Kappa Kappa Gamma as a student, worked in the Social Services Department at Charity Hospital until 1937, she helped organize Community Volunteer Service, was involved with Cub Scouts and the Junior League, and served as a member of the boards of Children's Hospital, Oschner, Family Service Society, the Girl Scout Council, and Louise S. McGehee School. In this interview with Meredith Fieke, Jane discusses her memories of Newcomb, life during the Depression, and her life after Newcomb including working at Charity Hospital, raising her family, and volunteering.
Class of 1932
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-23T20:29:07.463Z
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