Alumni Oral History Project

View from the audience of the overlooking approximately 50 graduates with decorated mortarboards

The Old Westbury College Foundation is excited to team up with PCI (Publishing Concepts, Inc.) to create an oral history of 60 years of SUNY Old Westbury. To help tell the rich history of SUNY Old Westbury we are collecting the stories of alumni in their own words. These stories will be transcribed and preserved in a book that celebrates the impact SUNY Old Westbury had on the lives of alumni and tell the story of who they are today. 


PCI Partnership

This opportunity has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the Old Westbury College Foundation and Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) on behalf of SUNY Old Westbury. PCI is a nationally recognized organization that has worked with hundreds of colleges, universities and non-profit organizations around the country. With over 37,000 alumni, PCI is helping us collect stories, as well as update the contact and biographic information of our alumni so we can stay in touch and keep them connected to Old Westbury. 

Impact

We are asking alumni like you, to join in by recording your stories for this historic celebration as you reminisce about your OW years.  You can help students, faculty and staff of the future understand the history and legacy of SUNY Old Westbury by being part of this special project.

Students walking in front of tug-of-war statue

Ready to share?

Call 1-800-390-5617.

What to Expect

  • COMMUNICATION: Examples of a postcard and email you will receive from our partner, PCI, can be found on this page. Once you receive your notice postcard, please follow the instructions on the card to update your information and follow the instructions to share your history. If you do not receive it, please take this opportunity to call PCI at 1-800-390-5617.
  • DEADLINE: PCI will be available to collect your information until June 27, 2025. Once the project is closed, SUNY Old Westbury cannot assist with having the project opened again, so please do not miss this opportunity.
  • DIRECTORY COMPLETION: The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12-14 months. Since we began the project in December of 2024, the books will be distributed from December 2025 through February 2026.

What to Watch For

Sample Email

Sample email with college logo and promotional text asking alumni to respond with their oral history

Sample Postcard

Sample postcard with promotional text asking alumni to respond with their oral history

FAQs

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about my time at SUNY Old Westbury. Is this a legitimate project, or is it a scam?

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce the Oral History Project memorial book to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of SUNY Old Westbury. PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation. 

This project allows SUNY Old Westbury to hear about your personal experiences and explain how the University has helped shape your lives. As we move into our 60th anniversary year, those stories will be a fun and exciting way to reminisce about Old Westbury.

What will participation cost me? 

Nothing! There is no cost to be include in the project or to provide your updated contact information. 

Once you submit your oral history, if you would like a copy of the book, you may place your order through your interview representative. They will advise you about all seven types of purchases you can make, which include purchasing the book alone. 

*PLEASE NOTE, SUNY Old Westbury does not receive any royalties or proceeds from any PCI purchases.  All purchases of the anniversary book and any branded merchandise, goes directly to PCI to offset the cost of their work on this exciting project.  There is no cost to SUNY Old Westbury for PCI’s coordination of this monumental project.  

What if I want to make a donation to SUNY Old Westbury?

If you would like to make a donation directly to SUNY Old Westbury, please visit the Foundation's Giving Page. 

Does SUNY Old Westbury benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few ways:

  • Legacy – The project helps preserve the oral history of our university.
  • Updated Information - Allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni.
  • Pride – Wearing apparel shows support and love for our university.
What stories should I share?

You can share whatever you feel comfortable talking about, but here are a few ideas: 

  • Did a special faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
  • Did you find that special someone at SUNY Old Westbury?
  • Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment at your alma mater?
  • Have connections you made on campus turn into lifelong friendships?
  • Were you on campus during a historical moment?
  • Are you a SUNY Old Westbury legacy?
How do I know my information will only be used for this specific purpose?

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 update my information and share a story.  How may 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 all 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 SUNY Old Westbury.
  • Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to SUNY Old Westbury after the project. 
  • If you received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story, or you may also call the PCI customer service desk at 1-800-390-5617, and inform the representative what information you prefer to have excluded.
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, or if you have questions, you may call PCI’s dedicated SUNY Old Westbury line at 1-800-390-5617. If you are living internationally or are unable to call the phone line, please email PCI at customerservice@publishingconcepts.com . PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what story to tell.

You can call 1-800-390-5617 at any time before June 27, 2025, to share your story or schedule a call back with an agent.

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

You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos plus captions.

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 physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

I'd like to add/remove info from my story.

You will receive an email prior to publication with a link to review your transcribed story and make any edits.

If I share a story, do I have to provide a photo? If I want a photo included, do I have to share a story?

You may share as little or as much as you'd like. Some people only want to share a story, others only want to share a photo and caption.

Can anyone purchase a book?

The book will be available for sale to SUNY Old Westbury alumni.

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

Call the PCI customer service help desk at 1-800-390-5617 and they will take care of this for you.