Alumni Oral History Project
Share Your UW-Parkside Story
Every Ranger has a unique story of passion and achievement at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. We recognize the value of these stories and their role in shaping our shared history, and we're eager to hear yours. However, with thousands of living alumni, meeting each of you individually would take years. That's why we're partnering with a company named PCI to streamline the process of capturing your stories.
PCI Partnership
This opportunity is possible thanks to a partnership between the UW-Parkside and Publishing Concepts, Inc., (PCI). In addition to collecting stories, PCI will be assisting the UW-Parkside with collecting updated biographic information from alumni, ensuring we have the best information available to stay connected with Rangers across the nation and beyond.
Ready to share?
Call 1-888-372-1992
Project Timeline
July - Dec 2024
You will receive a postcard (check your email too) from PCI asking you to verify your alumni information and share your UW-Parkside story.
- Mail starts 6/28/24.
- Phone lines open 7/1/24. 1-888-372-1992
- Share your story by 12/27/24.
- You will have the option to purchase a copy of the book on your phone call.
Publishing Concepts Inc. will write out your story from your phone call and send you the final version for confirmation.
- Stories will be available as early as 7/22/24 if you are in the first wave of phone calls.
- Approve/Edit your story
Dec 2024
Phone lines close on 12/27/24 and publishing will begin.
Oct 2025
Project concludes and your book should arrive around this time if you ordered one.
FAQs
I received an email, postcard, phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about UW-Parkside. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations nationwide for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside 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.
Does the University of Wisconsin - Parkside benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
Revenue – generates non-dues revenue for alumni programs
Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
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.
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, 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 the University of Wisconsin - Parkside. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to the University of Wisconsin - Parkside 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 University of Wisconsin - Parkside update line at 1-888-372-1992.
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.
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 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/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 12/27/24 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / 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 12/27/24 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).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The University of Wisconsin - Parkside Oral History Publication is available for sale only to University of Wisconsin - Parkside alumni.
When will I receive my book?
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 - 14 months. Since we began the project in June or July of 2024, the books will be distributed in July - October of 2025. (This will be updated when we have our launch date)
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.
For more questions or information contact:
Maris Dishno
Director of Donor and Alumni Engagement
dishno@uwp.edu
262-595-2404