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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- Aiken, June Roepe
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June Rose Roepe Aiken (1924-2018) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College with a degree in music in 1944. While at Newcomb, she was
Show moreJune Rose Roepe Aiken (1924-2018) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College with a degree in music in 1944. While at Newcomb, she was involved in the A Capella Choir, Campus Night, the Glee Club, Honor Board, Newcomb Orchestra, Operetta, Student Council, and was President of the Newcomb School of Music. After her time at Newcomb, June went on to be a contracted studio pianist at Columbia Records in New York for several years. Later on, she taught music at Trinity Episcopal School, served as President of the Auxiliary of the Lighthouse for hte Blind, and was involved in the Ruth McEnery Stuart Clan, Le Petit Salon, the New Orleans Christians Women's Club, the Christian Medical Society, the Orleans Club, Quarante Club, the Women's Committee of the New Orleans Symphony, and was a founding member of Cadenzas. In this interview with Genevieve Pope, June focuses on her time at Newcomb, the relationship between Newcomb and Tulane, and her time teaching music after Newcomb.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:06:25.515Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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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
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:06:26.494Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Andrews, Bethlehem Kottes
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Bethlehem Anne Kottes Andrews, a native New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1957 with a major in chemistry. At Newcomb, she was a member
Show moreBethlehem Anne Kottes Andrews, a native New Orleanian, graduated from Newcomb College in 1957 with a major in chemistry. At Newcomb, she was a member of Phi Mu, Alpha Sima Sigma, Beta Beta Beta, German Club, Newman Club, the Tulane Interfaith Council, and Newcomb Pan-Hellenic and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. After Newcomb, Bethlehem became the lead scientist in the textile finishing chemistry group at the United States Department of Agriculture's Southern Regional Research Center at New Orleans. In 1992, she received the Olney Medal for achievement in textile chemistry. Professionally, Bethlehem was an active member of the International Organization for Standardization and the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists. Outside of work, she was a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of PEO, and a mentor in Tulane's Assist Program. She received the New Orleans Federal Executive Board's Woman of the Year award in 1979 and their Distinguished Service Award in 1983. In 1978, she was selected for inclusion in the Visiting Women Scientists Program. She was the third woman to receive the Iota Sigma Pi Award for Professional Excellence. In this interview with Carolyn Lenz, Bethlehem covers her time at Newcomb and life since.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-10-01T17:59:13.608Z
- Library/Archive
- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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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
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:44:53.863Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Bosworth, Sheila
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Sheila Frances Bosworth Lemann (b. 1950) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1969. Sheila is the author of 'Almost Innocent'
Show moreSheila Frances Bosworth Lemann (b. 1950) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1969. Sheila is the author of 'Almost Innocent' (1984) and 'Slow Poison' (1992). In this interview Sheila discusses her time at Newcomb with Tracy Muller and Evelyn Rodriguez.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:29:24.704Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Bougere, Marguerite Hays Bondy
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Marguerite Hays Bondy Bougere (1919-2011) grew up in Pointe Coupee Parish and graduated from Newcomb College in 1940. While at Newcomb Marguerite was
Show moreMarguerite Hays Bondy Bougere (1919-2011) grew up in Pointe Coupee Parish and graduated from Newcomb College in 1940. While at Newcomb Marguerite was involved in Phi Mu, Dramatic Club, Debating Club, the International Relations Club, Tulane University Rooters Klub, Classical Club, and Phi Beta Kappa. She was queen of May Day in 1940 and won the Piece Butler Prize for Excellence in English Literature. She earned a master's degree from Tulane University in 1960 and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1968. Her dissertation was selected by the Internation Reading Assocation as the best reading-related thesis in the world. She taught in the Education Department at Newcomb College including courses on early childhood and children's literature. She was also an instructor at Newcomb Nursury School, the Newman School kindergarten, and the kindergarten at McDonogh No. 15. She also ran a pre-school program for blind children sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. In this interview with Adele Ramos Salzer, Marguerite discusses receiving a scholarship to Newcomb, living in the cooperative dormitory Doris Hall, her career after Newcomb, and how she became the head of the Education Department at Newcomb College.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:44:54.482Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Brady, Patricia
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Patricia Maureen Brady (also known as Patricia Brady Schmit) was raised in Texas, graduated from Newcomb College in 1965, and earned a Masters from Tu
Show morePatricia Maureen Brady (also known as Patricia Brady Schmit) was raised in Texas, graduated from Newcomb College in 1965, and earned a Masters from Tulane University in 1965 and Ph.D. in Latin American history with a focus in Latin American politics from Tulane University in 1977. While at Newcomb, she was involved in La Tertulia, Scholars & Fellows, and Junior Year Abroad. Her academic honors include a Woodrow Wilson fellowship in 1965 and a Fulbright fellowship in 1974. She began teaching at Dillard Univeristy in New Orleans in 1968 and was an Assistant Professor of History at Dillard University from 1973-1980. She worked at The Historic New Orleans Collection from 1980-2002 serving as an editor, director of publications, and writer. This interview focuses mainly on Patricia's life after Newcomb and Tulane, but also touches on her time as a graduate student at Tulane University.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:12:44.354Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Brandao, Dorothy Agnes
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Dorothy Agnes Brandao (1911-2003) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1930. While at Newcomb, she was a member of Beta Sigma
Show moreDorothy Agnes Brandao (1911-2003) grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Newcomb College in 1930. While at Newcomb, she was a member of Beta Sigma Omicron, Alpha Sigma Sigma, the Dramatic Club, the Student Council, the Freshman-Sophomore Commission, and YWCA. She served as vice-president for the Sophomore Finance Committee, both Secretary-Treasurer and President of the Mandolin-Guitar Club, Librarian and Business Manager of the Glee Club, and Associate Editor of Jambalya. After Newcomb, Dorothy earned an additional degree from the University of Iowa and went on to work for the Centeral Intelligence Agency in New Orleans. Eventually, Dorothy retired from the CIA and worked for the New Orleans Tourist Commission. She was a member of the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Orleans Club. In this interview with Adele Ramos Salzer, Dorothy covers her time at Newcomb and her life after Newcomb.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:12:45.571Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Brandenburg, Karin
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Karin Brandenburg grew up in West Germany. She graduated from Newcomb College in 1991 with a major in Political Science and an emphasis in Soviet po
Show moreKarin Brandenburg grew up in West Germany. She graduated from Newcomb College in 1991 with a major in Political Science and an emphasis in Soviet politics. She completed a master's degree in government at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, Karen worked for the Texas State government and in the field of international development in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region. She later served as a Program Officer in with the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affiars Office of Citizen Exchanges with a focus on South and Central Asia Programs. This interview with Gwen Tompkins focuses on her time at Newcomb as a student, her professional life after Newcomb, and her efforts to aid New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:12:48.72Z
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- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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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
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T18:44:55.373Z
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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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- 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
- Created Date
- 2018-09-28T19:05:23.206Z
- Library/Archive
- 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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- 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
- Created Date
- 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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- 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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- 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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- Chesky, Doris Lurie
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Doris Lurie Chesky (1915-1989) graduated from Newcomb College in 1936. Doris grew up in Florala, Alabama. While at Newcomb, Doris was involved in the
Show moreDoris Lurie Chesky (1915-1989) graduated from Newcomb College in 1936. Doris grew up in Florala, Alabama. While at Newcomb, Doris was involved in the Glee Club, Special Group, Mandolin-Guitar Club, and Newcomb's Little Symphony. She was a teacher of vocal music at Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans. She worked with both students and faculty at Fortier in human relations activities. In this interview with Beth Willinger, Doris discusses her time at Newcomb and her life since.
Class of 1936
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-19T19:00:52.601Z
- Library/Archive
- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Clark, Emery
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- 2018-11-12T17:39:47.482Z
- Library/Archive
- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae
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- Clark, Emily
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Emily Clark grew up in New Orleans, graduated from Newcomb in 1976, earned a Masters of Social Work from Tulane University in 1984, and earned a Ph.D.
Show moreEmily Clark grew up in New Orleans, graduated from Newcomb in 1976, earned a Masters of Social Work from Tulane University in 1984, and earned a Ph.D. in history from Tulane in 1998. She is currently a Tulane University history professor. Her research interests include early American and Atlantic world history, race, gender, religion, and historical memory. In this interview with Gwen Tompkins, Emily discusses her time at Newcomb and her life since.
Class of 1976
Class of 1998
newcombarchives@wave.tulane.edu
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- Alumni and alumnae
- Created Date
- 2018-10-22T13:50:18.098Z
- Library/Archive
- info:fedora/navlsc:alumnae