The Oral History Project FAQs

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Clarke University. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Clarke University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Clarke University and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date so we can verify for our alumni database.

Does Clarke University benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

• Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our university. Official copies of our memory book will be available in the library.
• Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
• Pride –sharing your story paints a collective picture of Clarke pride, available for all future generations of Clarke student and alumni.

 I would like to verify or update my contact information and share a story. How can I do this?

• If you have received a postcard or an email with Clarke’s interview phone line, you may 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 where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Clarke University. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to Clarke University 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 Clarke University update line at 855-300-1184
• If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Do I have to be an alumnus/a to participate?

No. This project is open to Clarke University alumni, friends, and faculty/staff.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I review or 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. You will receive a copy of your transcribed conversation with the PCI representative via email for review. No contact information is printed or shared. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the Clarke and the alumni relations team. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 12/6/2024 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 or email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

 I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before 12/6/2024 to share your story.

 I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (Note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Do I have to buy something?

You do NOT need to purchase anything in order to participate or share your story. Additionally, this project is being done at NO COST to Clarke University. The project is completely funded by the alumni who choose to purchase the memory book that will be produced at the end of the project.  Following your story share, various packages will be offered to you as well as an opportunity to make a gift to Clarke University. These optional materials are products of PCI and pricing/packages are set by PCI. You are welcome to purchase these items, but you are not required or obligated to do so to participate in the project. Clarke University does not make any profit from this project, unless you choose to make an additional donation to Clarke.

 Can anyone purchase a book?

The Clarke University Oral History Project publication is available for sale only to Clarke University alumni and friends that were targeted for this project. A copy will also be available in the Clarke University library.

 When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is approximately 12 months. Since we will begin the project in June 2024 the books have an estimated distribution date of June 2025.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

 How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed and contracted 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, Clarke University’s Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.