Oral Histories Collection

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  Olegario D. Cantos VII oral history - April 19, 2024

  Olegario D. Cantos VII [narrator]

  This oral history of Olegario "Ollie" D. Cantos VII (he/him/his), recorded on April 19, 2024, discusses the value of education of the whole person (Cura Personalis) instilled in him at Loyola Marymount University, mentorship he received in the Political Science department, his experiences with diversity on campus, navigating college with a disability, and receiving the Stanley Chan award. At the time of this interview, Olegario was 53 years old and resided in West Covina, California. He attended Loyola Marymount University beginning in Fall 1988 and was a member of the Loyola Marymount University graduating Class of 1992. At the time of this interview, Olegario worked in the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and was an elected official on the West Covina City Council. In 1992, he received the Stanley Chan Award from Loyola Marymount University's Political Science department for demonstrating superior academic achievement, outstanding service to the University, and commitment to Judeo-Christian values. Olegario was originally from Los Angeles, California and West Covina, California.

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  Nancy Pineda-Madrid oral history - April 8, 2024

  Nancy Pineda-Madrid [narrator]

  This oral history of Nancy Pineda-Madrid (she/her/hers), recorded on April 8, 2024, discusses changing majors from Business to Theology and a transformative year abroad volunteering in Chihuahua, Mexico while a student at Loyola Marymount University, later becoming the T. Marie Chilton Chair of Catholic Theology, and her work to build bridges between Latinx women and the LGBTQ communities through coursework in theology and her research on violence against women. At the time of this interview, Nancy was 64 years old, identified as Roman Catholic, Chicano, Mexican-American, and Latinx theologian, and resided in Los Angeles, California. She attended Loyola Marymount University from 1977-1981 and became a faculty member in 2019. At the time of this interview, Nancy was a professor in the Theological Studies department at Loyola Marymount University and the T. Marie Chilton Chair of Catholic Theology. Nancy was originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

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  Reggie Melonson oral history - March 11, 2024

  Reggie Melonson [narrator]

  This interview with Reggie Melonson (he/his/him) on March 11, 2024 discusses the impact of a Jesuit education, recalls the challenges of navigating higher education at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) to build an inclusive and diverse campus, and reflects on their career training students while working at the LMU library for 40 years. At the time of this interview, Reggie was 67 years old, identified as French Louisiana Creole and understood that to be a mixture of French, African, Spaniard, and Indigenous American (paternal Cherokee and maternal Arapaho), and resided in Culver City, California. Reggie attended Loyola Marymount University (LMU) from 1971-1980, majoring in Communication Arts, and worked at the LMU library from June 1981 to April 2023. Reggie Melonson retired from Loyola Marymount University in 2023. The Black Cinema Collection at LMU's William H. Hannon Library was established in recognition of his 40 years of dedicated service. Reggie was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Leticia Rhi Buckley oral history - November 28, 2023

  Leticia Rhi Buckley [narrator]

  This interview with Leticia Rhi Buckley (she/her), recorded on November 28, 2023, discusses the college application process as a child of Mexican immigrants, the development of her spirituality as a student at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), her deep personal connection to the mission of the university, and her involvement in the Chicano Latino Student Services. At the time of this interview, Leticia was 52 years old, identified as a straight, Latina person and resided in Los Angeles, California. She is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and attended from 1989 until 1993 during which she majored in Political Science. Leticia was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Leticia Rhi Buckley oral history - November 28, 2023

  Leticia Rhi Buckley

  This interview with Leticia Rhi Buckley (she/her), recorded on November 28, 2023, discusses the college application process as a child of Mexican immigrants, the development of her spirituality as a student at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), her deep personal connection to the mission of the university, and her involvement in the Chicano Latino Student Services. At the time of this interview, Leticia was 52 years old, identified as a straight, Latina person and resided in Los Angeles, California. She is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and attended from 1989 until 1993 during which she majored in Political Science. Leticia was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Curtiss Takada Rooks oral history - November 16, 2023

  Curtiss Takada Rooks [narrator]

  This oral history of Curtiss Takada Rooks (he/him/his), recorded on November 16, 2023, discusses coming to understand his mixed-race identity while growing up in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, finding an academic home in the Department of Asian Pacific American Studies at Loyola Marymount University, and the transformative impact of Japanese programs on faculty and students to perform critical research. At the time of this interview, Curtiss was 66 years old, identified as Black Japanese, and resided in Culver City, California. He was a faculty member at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for two years in the 1990s and was Associate Dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA) from 2006 until 2023. Curtiss was originally from Yokohama, Japan and Manhattan, Kansas.

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  Lori Givens oral history - November 16, 2023

  Lori Givens [narrator]

  This oral history of Lori Givens (she/her), recorded on November 16, 2022, discusses her experience finding both support and exclusion as a student at Loyola Marymount University, discovering her love of education, and her service with the Black Student Union and The Learning Center. At the time of this interview, Lori was 44 years old, identified as Christian and African American, and resided in Los Angeles, California. She is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and attended as an undergraduate student from 1996 until 2000 and as a graduate student from 2001 until 2003. She was the Vice President of the Associated Students of Loyola Marymount University (ASLMU) and worked as a staff member at The Learning Center (TLC) project during Summer 2000.

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  Amir Hussain oral history - November 3, 2023

  Amir Hussain [narrator]

  This oral history of Amir Hussain, recorded on November 3, 2022, discusses navigating a complex identity at a predominantly white Catholic university, the importance of a liberal arts education and vocational training in academia, the principles of a Jesuit education, and opportunities to mentor and be mentored at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). At the time of this interview, Amir identified as a straight, brown, Canadian, American, Muslim, South Asian, male, teacher, uncle, neighbor, ex-athlete, music aficionado, and Habs and Lakers fan and he resided in Los Angeles, California. Amir was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and raised in Toronto, Canada. Amir was hired at Loyola Marymount University in 2005 and is a professor of Theological Studies.

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  Raul Mijares oral history - June 27, 2023

  Raul Mijares [narrator]

  This oral history of Raul Mijares, recorded on June 27, 2023, discusses their personal journey navigating identity and spirituality in higher education, involvement in the Chicano Movement, athletics program, and the decision to discontinue football at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), and their role in creating scholarship programs. At the time of this interview, Raul was 70 years old, identified as Anahuacan, and resided in Castaic, California. Raul is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU), and attended from 1970-1974, graduating in 1979. Raul was originally from Mexico City, Mexico.

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  Diana Fuentes Michel oral history - March 27, 2023

  Diana Fuentes [narrator]

  This oral history of Diana Fuentes Michel, recorded on March 27, 2023, discusses her coursework in the Chicano Studies department, receiving the Chicano Leadership Grant and being among the first women history majors in Chicano Studies after the merger of Loyola University and Marymount College, broadcasting ALMA del Barrio for KXLU radio, and how her educational experience at LMU informed her work implementing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and more on the California Postsecondary Education Commission. At the time of this interview, Diana was 65 years old, identified as Roman Catholic and Chicana, and as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and LMU alumnus, and resided in Sacramento, California. Diana attended LMU from 1975 until 1979 majoring in History and Chicano Studies. She was the former Director of the California Student Aid Commission and Undersecretary for Education under Governor Gray Davis. Diana was from Boyle Heights and El Sereno in Los Angeles, California.

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  Mary R. Blanding oral history - March 22, 2023

  Mary R. Blanding [narrator]

  This oral history of Mary R. Blanding, recorded on March 22, 2023, discusses her decision to attend Loyola Marymount University (LMU), how Jesuit philosophy shaped their educational experience, and their involvement and advocacy work with the Black Student Union. At the time of this interview, Mary was 72 years old, identified as Black, and resided in Altadena, California. Mary is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and attended from 1969 until 1973. Mary was a staff member at LMU from 1975 until 1978. Mary was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Fernando Guerra oral history - March 16, 2023

  Fernando J. Guerra [narrator]

  This oral history of Fernando Guerra, recorded on March 16, 2023, discusses his experience as a Chicano professor, the founding of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles, representation of Latino staff and faculty in leadership positions, and the treatment of facilities management staff at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). At the time of this interview, Fernando was 64 years old, identified as Chicano, Mexican American, and Catholic, and resided in Los Angeles, California. He has been affiliated with LMU for 39 years and is the Director for the Study of Los Angeles, and a Professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies and Political Science. Fernando was originally from the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

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  Renata Simril oral history - March 7, 2023

  Renata Simril [narrator]

  This oral history of Renata Simril, recorded on March 11, 2024, discusses her experience as a woman of color and former military officer at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), the mentorship she received from Dr. Cheryl Grills in the Kente Scholars program, and participating in the creation of the African American Alumni Association; shares her perspective on racial and social injustice at LMU and how she found community with the help of Barbara Avery's all-women hiking group, nicknamed the Black Centipede; and reflects on the importance of finding common ground and forming meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. At the time of this interview, Renata identified as Black, a woman of color, leader, and humanitarian. She resided in Studio City, California and was the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation. Renata is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University and attended from 1990-1993 during which time she majored in Political Science. Renata was originally from Hollywood, Californi and grew up in Carson, California.

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  Alfred Tipon, Jr. oral history - February 16, 2023

  Alfred Tipon [narrator]

  This interview with Alfred "Al" Tipon, Jr. (he/him), recorded on February 16, 2023, discusses changes he has noticed in student life, finding community with the Hawaii Club while a student and ongoing mentorship of students through the club, recalls working as a student in the Student Health Center and his experience on campus during the Rodney King Riots in 1992, and reflects on his work in Facilities Management to support a thriving university campus community. At the time of this interview, Alfred was 62 years old, identified as Hawaiian, Chinese, and Phillipino, and resided in Lawndale, CA. He attended Loyola Marymount University from 1977 to 1981 majoring in Business Administration. He worked for the university from 1980 to 2016, lastly as the Senior Director of Facilities Management. In retirement, he continued to advise for Nā Kōlea, LMU's Hawaiian student organization, and managed the LMU Ice Hockey team, which he also founded. Alfred was originally from Lanai City, Hawaii and grew up in San Dimas, California.

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  Alberta Brinson Moore oral history - February 8, 2023

  Alberta Brinson Moore [narrator]

  This oral history of Alberta Brinson Moore (she/her), recorded on February 8, 2023, discusses the college admissions process in the 1980s, recounts resurrecting The Tower, the university's yearbook, and shares the importance of giving back through her work on the African American Alumni Association board and the Upward Bound program providing resources to inner city children. At the time of this interview, Alberta was 61 years old, identified as African American, Baptist, a wife, and a parent, and resided in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, California. She is an Alumnus of Loyola Marymount University which she attended from 1980 until 1984 majoring in Urban Studies and minoring in Business Management. Alberta was originally from Mount Vernon County, Georgia, and raised in Los Angeles, California. She formerly worked as a Claims Specialist for State Farm Insurance.

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  Dr. John P. Crocker, Jr oral history - December 20, 2022

  John P. Crocker [narrator]

  This oral history of Dr. John P. Crocker, recorded on December 19, 2022, discusses finding a sense of community among the small black student population at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in the Office of Black Student Services and Minority Student Services during the 1980s; describes his role as an advisor for the Black Student Union, shares his experiences as a professional singer and vocal music teacher, including singing at the ceremony commemorating the life of NBA player and LMU alumnus Hank Gathers; and reflects on mentors who influenced his life and career including Barbara Avery and Dr. Paul Solomon. At the time of this interview, John was 52 years old, identified as an ordained Baptist Minister and Elder, and resided in Lancaster, California. John is an alumnus of LMU, attended from 1988 until 1992 where he majored in Communications and Fine Arts, and was a guest artist at LMU in 1998 and 1999. John was originally from Compton, California.

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  Mary Salinas Durón oral history - December 20, 2022

  Mary Salinas Durón [narrator]

  This oral history of Mary Salinas Durón, recorded on December 20, 2022, discusses their personal and professional journey in the banking industry, participating in M.E.Ch.A and opening up a dialogue with university administration to fund scholarships for Chicano students, recalls mentors such as Dr. Julio and Celia Torres, and reflects on challenges faced by Latinx and commuter students at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). At the time of this interview, Mary was 70 years old, identified as Catholic and Chicana, and resided in Montebello, California. She is an alumnus of LMU and attended from 1971-1975, during which she went by Mary Velia Salinas. She worked on the Loyolan newspaper staff from 1974 until 1975 and M.E.Ch.A. State Folklorico in 1973. At the time of this interview, she was a Senior Community Affairs Specialist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Mary was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Stephanie Gibson Kelly oral history - December 2, 2022

  Stephanie Gibson Kelly [narrator]

  This oral history of Stephanie Gibson Kelly (she/her), recorded on December 2, 2022, discusses her experiences navigating conversations about race with faculty, finding community and inspiration through participation in the Black Student Union and Black Students Admissions Assistance Program at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in the late 1980s, developing leadership through service with the Belles Service organization and LMU Special Games, and special moments like riding in a limousine with Coretta Scott King. At the time of this interview, Stephanie was 55 years old, identified as African American/Black, Christian, female, wife, and mother, and resided in Inglewood, California. Stephanie was an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) which she attended from 1985 until 1989 and majored in Accounting with an emphasis in Finance. She was originally from Lawrence, Kansas and Gardena, California.

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  Alyssa Perez oral history - November 17, 2022

  Alyssa Perez [narrator]

  This oral history of Alyssa Perez (she/her/ella), recorded on November 17, 2022, discusses her experience as the first Latina elected to student body president at Loyola Marymount University, navigating cultural groups and campus organizations while identifying as half-Latina and half-white, participating in the Casa de la Vida service project in El Salvador, advocating for Sodexo and Facilities Management staff, and the importance of transparency and accountability on campus. At the time of this interview, Alyssa identified as Latina, resided in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, California, and was a Civic Engagement Community Organizer with LA Voice and an instructor for the Ignatian Leadership Institute and LMU CARES program. She is an alumnus and staff member of Loyola Marymount University, majored in Theological Studies and Political Science, and graduated with the Class of 2015. Alyssa was originally from Fremont, California, and was raised in Milpitas, California.

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  Wayne Knoll Tanaka oral history - November 12, 2022

  Wayne Knoll Tanaka [narrator]

  This oral history of Wayne Knoll Tanaka, recorded on November 12, 2022, discusses growing up on the Loyola University campus and helping his father who worked as Head Gardener and his mother who worked in the Registrar's office; he recalls enrolling working as a student, participating in the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, and a special campus event with Angela Davis; and reflects on the diversity of thought, mentors, and friendships he cultivated while attending Loyola University. At the time of this interview, Wayne was 75 years old, identified as Japanese-American, and resided in Orem, Utah. Wayne was the child of Dorothy Tanaka and George Tanaka, both of whom worked at Loyola University, and was an alumnus of Loyola University. He spent time on campus with his parents while growing up, and attended from 1965-1969 during which he majored in Business Management. Wayne was originally from Stockton, California.

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  Armando Durón oral history - November 4, 2022

  Armando Durón [narrator]

  This oral history of Armando Durón, recorded on November 7, 2022, discusses his childhood during the Chicano Movement in East Los Angeles, studying political science at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), his spiritual journey, and the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student. At the time of this interview, Armando was 67 years old and identified as straight, Catholic, and Chicano, and resided in Montebello, California. He was an alumnus of Loyola Law School and attended from 1972 until 1976. Armando was originally from El Paso, Texas.

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  La'Tonya Rease Miles oral history - November 4, 2022

  La'Tonya Rease Miles [narrator]

  This oral history of La'Tonya Rease Miles (she/her), recorded on November 4, 2022, discusses her experience as a first-generation college student, the importance of mentorship, and her work starting the First To Go program to support marginalized and first-generation students at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). At the time of this interview, La'Tonya was 53 years old, identified as a first-generation college graduate, Black female, and resided in East Palo Alto, California. She was the Director of the Academic Resource Center at LMU and worked for LMU from March 2010 until May 2016. La'Tonya was originally from Alexandria, Virginia.

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  The Honorable Irma Brown Dillon oral history - October 21, 2022

  Irma Brown Dillon [narrator]

  This oral history of the Honorable Irma Brown Dillon (she/her), recorded on October 10, 2022, discusses her upbringing and what led her to attend Loyola Marymount University over a historically black college or university (HBCU), her experience running for student body president as an African American woman, being among the first women to attend LMU during merger between Loyola University and Marymount College, and her perspective on how the campus and university have grown since then. At the time of this interview, Irma was 74 years old, identified as African-American, Baptist, Protestant, Christian, and resided in Frisco, Texas. She attended both Loyola Marymount University (LMU) from 1966-1970 and Loyola Law School from 1970-1973. She was a trustee of LMU and a parent of an LMU alumnus. Irma was originally from Los Angeles, California.

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  Cheryl Grills oral history - August 23, 2022

  Cheryl Grillsl [narrator]

  This interview with Cheryl Grills (she/her), recorded on August 23, 2022, discusses her early work in social justice activism, connection to the value of education of the whole person, extensive involvement in campus organizations, student protests and building a sense of community for and with the Black campus community, teaching research experiences which place students in contact with real people and communities, and founding the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University. At the time of this interview, Cheryl was 65 years old, identified as African American and a practitioner of the Ifa and Akan religions, and resided in Inglewood, California. She had spent 37 years as a faculty member at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), and at the time of this interview was a Professor of Psychology in the Psychology department and President's Professor in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts. Cheryl was originally from Charleston, South Carolina.

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  Charles Mason Jr. oral history - July 14, 2022

  Charles Mason [narrator]

  This oral history of Charles Mason Jr., recorded on July 14, 2022, discusses his experiences working at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) during the LA riots in 1992, the mentorship he received from Dr. Cheryll Grills, Dr. John Davis, and others, and his ongoing recruitment and mentorship of Black students in activism, academic excellence, leadership, and service. At the time of this interview, Charles was 66 years old, identified as Black/African American and male, and resided in Inglewood, California. Mason was the Associate Director of Transfer Admission and had worked at LMU beginning in 1990. He was originally from the South Central neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

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  Tony Coehlo oral history - July 12, 2022

  Tony Coehlo [narrator]

  This oral history of Tony Coehlo, recorded on July 12, 2022, discusses his journey of struggling with undiagnosed epilepsy in his youth and overcoming the social stigma around his condition, involvement in student government, establishing the Coehlo Disability Center at Loyola University, and pursuing a career in politics to eventually coauthor the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. At the time of this interview, Tony was 80 years old. Tony is an alumnus of Loyola University and attended from 1960-1964, during which time he was Student Body President. Tony was originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania and resided at 6 Trellis Path.