2026 Oral History Project
Celebrating Coe's 175th anniversary with an Oral History Project
In anticipation of celebrating Coe's landmark 175th anniversary starting this fall, we are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive alumni data verification and Oral History Project starting in late April. This year-long initiative, conducted in partnership with Publishing Concepts (PCI), aims to capture and preserve the diverse stories and memories that define the Kohawk experience, from our founding in 1851 to the present day. By sharing your unique perspective, you will help memorialize the history of the campus experience for future generations of the Coe community as we prepare to celebrate this historic milestone.
Starting in April 2026, alumni should expect to receive postcards and emails with an invitation to participate. When you call the toll-free number provided in these materials, a PCI associate will first help you verify your current contact information to ensure our records are accurate. You will then be invited to share a story about your time at Coe, such as your favorite traditions like Flunk Day or ringing the Victory Bell, the influence of a particular professor, staff member or friend or how your time on campus impacted your career and life after graduation.
The collected stories will be transcribed and compiled into a commemorative hardbound book that celebrates the collective history of Coe College. During your call, you will also have the opportunity to purchase the book and exclusive branded apparel, including sweatshirts, t-shirts and a travel bag. Please note that your participation in the project is entirely voluntary; there is no obligation to make a purchase to have your story included or to update your information. Following your interview, you will receive an email with a link to upload high-resolution photos that may be included in the publication to supplement your story.
We look forward to hearing some of your core Coe memories and celebrating our collective pride in the Kohawk community. Your stories will be a vital part of our 175th anniversary celebration by ensuring our shared history is preserved for years to come. If you have any questions regarding the Oral History Project or the outreach you receive, please contact the alumni office by reaching out to Claire Sagers '18, Director of Alumni Engagement, at 319.399.8663 or ctupper@coe.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?
If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates needed, and ask to share your story about your time at Coe College. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip will be provided to the Coe College at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated Coe College update line: 1.800.796.3013.
If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email clientservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses, and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year, and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 10/19/26 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1.800.982.1590 / clientservice@publishingconcepts.com.
Do I need to purchase something from PCI in order to participate in the Oral History Project?
No, you do not need to purchase anything. PCI is collecting the memories and stories shared and will be compiling them into a hardcopy book, so at the end of the call they will ask if you'd like to purchase a copy of that book. Please know that you do not need to buy anything in order for your story to be included. This is not a fundraiser for Coe in any way as Coe does not get any portion of book/digital sales. This is simply an information verification and oral history collection project.
Does Coe College benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a couple of important ways. It provides Coe College with updated information that allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni and it creates a legacy as the sharing and collecting of alumni stories preserves the history of our community.
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