Ron Shaw, a member of GPC’s first graduating class in 1966, records his memories as part of The Living History Project, an oral history initiative. (Photo by Bill Roa)

by Kat Friedmann Volzer

It was never written down anywhere–not in a DeKalb College yearbook or in the college’s first handbook. It was not mandatory; students weren’t reprimanded for infractions. Yet, one of the first traditions observed at DeKalb College’s original Clarkston Campus made a strong impression on alumnus Ron Shaw and generated a long-lasting memory.

“When we [would] walk into A building … the DeKalb College seal was in the floor,” says Shaw, a member of the college’s first graduating class (in 1966). “It was part of the entrance. The rule was that we would never walk on that seal. Walking on the seal was forbidden. That was a tradition that started almost from the very first day.”

Traditions, though often not officially recorded, create lasting memories as they are passed down from year to year. As Georgia Perimeter College celebrates its 50^th Anniversary this year, the Office of Alumni Relations is seeking to capture those memories, traditions and stories through The Living History Project, an oral history initiative. Alumni, retirees and those who were impacted by the institution that started as DeKalb College and is now Georgia Perimeter College are interviewed on video camera and asked about their experiences. The purpose of the project is to collect, preserve and present the history of the institution.

“There’s so much history of DeKalb College/GPC that can only be told through those who were here and experienced it,” says Collins Foster, director of Alumni Relations at GPC. “These stories are helping us understand, and we are learning more and more about GPC that has never been heard before.”

Foster and her team select Living History interviewees based on recommendations from faculty, staff and fellow alumni. Each interview, conducted by Foster, lasts approximately an hour and a half to two hours. One DVD with the footage is given to the interviewee; another is archived by Alumni Relations for use in future projects such as class reunions, anniversary celebrations or historical projects. Short stories and anecdotes from the interview are shared online via YouTube.

“We’re hoping this project will spark a lot of interest in college history among students and alumni as we celebrate the 50^th Anniversary,” says Foster. “It’s important to remember how far we’ve come as an institution and cherish the stories of those who have come before us.”

To see the Living History stories, visit our Living Playlist: