-
Interview with Livia Mitchell
Livia Mitchell
OH 305
In her January 8, 2013 interview with Robert Ryals, Livia Mitchell detailed her thoughts and memories of her time at Winthrop University (then Winthrop College). Mitchell spoke of the late 1950s on the following topics: Residence Halls, Winthrop traditions, student life, and her life after Winthrop. Mitchell also offered her opinions on how Winthrop has changed between the 1950s and today. Mitchell shared her experiences working as an art teacher after attending Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Velma S. Polk
Velma S. Polk
OH 276
In her July 15, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Velma Polk describes her two years at Winthrop until 1951. Addressed are rules and regulations, the Blue Line, and dorm life. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Lona Fulmer Proctor - OH 284
Lona Mae Fulmer Proctor
OH 284
This interview was conducted with 1963 Winthrop graduate, Lona Mae Fulmer Proctor. She attended because she knew it was a good college and had several friends attend. She was originally from Ridge Springs, South Carolina. She lived on campus, and thinks the rules for dorm life were lenient enough. She discusses majoring in physical education and some of the classes she took. While at Winthrop, she was taught how to play golf and later after she married her military husband, they lived in Japan and Germany where she won several gold tournaments. She also talks about the fine arts performances that put on shows. She discusses how Winthrop has changed, including how campus had changed, buildings being altered, and the changes to the dress code.
-
Interview with Jane Rawls
Jane Rawls
OH 301
In her August 1, 2013 interview, Jane Rawls shares stories of her life as a student at Winthrop Training School in the 1960s and as “day student” in 1974. In particular, Rawls discusses life as a child and student in the 1960s. Rawls shares her perspective of the counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s and how Winthrop and the community were affected. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Elizabeth "Betty" Simpson - OH 279
Elizabeth Anne Hoffman Simpson
OH 279
This interview was conducted with Elizabeth “Betty” Hoffman Simpson who attended Winthrop from 1954-1956 as a 2-year business major, but did not graduate. Betty discusses what it was like attending Winthrop in the 1950s. She was a Rock Hill native and was a “day student.” She discusses attending Winthrop, including the uniforms and the classes she took. One of these classes was a shorthand notetaking class. She also discusses coeducation and how excellent her professors were. After attending Winthrop, Betty worked for a year for the Clemson Extension Office before it moved from Rock Hill to Clemson, SC. She then began working at Winthrop in 1958 and worked for the College for 34 years until she retired. She worked in 13 different jobs in several different departments.
-
Interview with Kimberly Paul Simpson - OH 281
Kimberly Paul Simpson
OH 281
This interview is with Mrs. Kimberly Paul Simpson who attended Winthrop from 2002 to 2005 in order to get a Master’s in Early Childhood and Curriculum Development (December 15, 2005). Before she attended Winthrop, she graduated from College of Charleston in 1991 with her undergraduate degree. Mrs. Simpson discusses her time at Winthrop as a graduate student, including being a member of the Phi Delta sorority, her favorite professors and classes, learning teaching games and strategies, working in the library, and comparing Winthrop and the College of Charleston. She also talks about her career as a teacher, including her time at Mt. Holly Elementary, and how to help students with comprehension and her personal teaching style. Mrs. Simpson also mentions touring Winthrop with her daughter and the many relatives of hers that have graduated from Winthrop including her father.
-
Interview with Shannon Simpson
Shannon Simpson
OH 273
In her June 12, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Shannon Simpson detailed her time as an undergraduate student at Winthrop from 1995-1999. Discussed are details of Simpson’s life as a student – residence halls, classes, meals – rules and regulations on campus, and her desire to go back to Winthrop as a graduate student in 2013. Included are Simpson’s thoughts on professors, traditions, and cultural events on campus. Simpson also shares details of her career as a police officer after attending Winthrop to a transition as an employee in Human Resources. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Regina Varnadore
Regina Varnadore
OH 277
In her June 26, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Regina Varnadore details her time at Winthrop from 1986-1989 as an Elementary Education major. In particular, Varnadore describes the process of earning a degree in Elementary Education. Varnadore discusses her experience student teaching and her career as a teacher. Varnadore mentions her opinions on education in Rock Hill and employees in the school district. Provided is information on Varandore’s family, the story of Varnadore earning her Master’s degree, and her future in the teaching profession. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Cynthia Venables
Cynthia Venables
OH 278
In her July 3, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Cynthia Burris Venables shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1985-1989, as well as her career teaching English. Discussed is Venables coursework as an English major and the rigor of her studies. Additionally, Venables talks about Latin and Biology courses and who her favorite professors were. Venables details what it is like teaching in the 21st Century, her opinions on technology and teaching, and her accomplishments as an educator. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Hope Weatherly
Hope Weatherly
OH 271
In her May 22, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Hope Weatherly detailed her thoughts and memories at Winthrop from 1970-1976. In particular, Weatherly discusses the evolution of her studies at Winthrop, starting as a music major then graduating with a degree in education. Weatherly recalls her opinions on University presidents, professors, and food. Weatherly concludes her interview by discussing her career as a social worker and the challenges she faced in her profession. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Susan Winn Westbrook - OH 280
Susan Winn Westbrook
OH 280
This interview was conducted with Rock Hill native Susan Winn Westbrook. Mrs. Westbrook is a 1987 Rock Hill High school graduate and initially came to Winthrop to become a teacher in 1987, but dropped out after her freshmen year. In 2006, she returned to Winthrop and graduated in 2011, majoring in early childhood education. She did not live on campus, but commuted to school and she discusses what being a commuter student is like. She discusses the friends she made on campus and her experience with her family while being a student, as well as the general experiences of a non-traditional student at Winthrop. She also discusses how Winthrop helped prepare her teaching career, specifically as a second grade teacher at Sunset Park Elementary School.
-
Interview with Jane West
Jane West
OH 274
In her July 15, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Jane West details her time at Winthrop as a Biology major in the 1960s. Briefly, West discusses student life and Winthrop traditions, but she provides insight into her life student teaching at Florence High School. Additionally, West includes her experience in required courses like English and Math, as well as experiments conducted in her Biology courses. West concludes the interview with her overall perceptions of Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Leonard Hewell "Kip" Carter
Leonard Hewell Carter
OH 312
In his February 10, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Leonard Hewell “Kip” Carter details growing up in the South during segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as his life as political aide/campaign treasurer to Newt Gingrich. Included are details of his college education at UNC-Chapel Hill – classes, professor, and the Red Scare. Carter shares the history of his friendship and working relationship with Newt Gingrich, the scandals Gingrich faced, and the ultimate end of their relationship. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Frances Case
Frances Case
OH 289
In her October 11, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Frances Case details her experience at Winthrop from 1947-1951. In particular, Case provides insight into the many rules and regulations students had to follow concerning dress, the Blue Line, curfew, cars, and smoking. Case speaks about student and dorm life, and her experience as a graduate student at Columbia University in New York City. Case concludes her interview by discussing her involvement with Winthrop since she graduated. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs - OH 687
William P. Diggs and Civil Rights
OH 687
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Reverend William P. Diggs as part of his History of Emmett Scott High School and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated African American high school named after Emmett J. Scott, a former aid to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 with the integration of Rock Hill School District. Many Emmett Scott students went on to Friendship College. Reverend Diggs worked at Friendship and was involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Rock Hill. Reverend Diggs discusses his experiences growing up as well as his connection to Friendship College both personally as his grandfather Mansel P. Hall founded Friendship as well as professionally. He also discusses his work with support of the Civil Rights movement both in Friendship College and Rock Hill in general. Reverend Diggs also discusses some of the famous Civil Rights activists that he has met and worked with such as Martin Luther King Jr, and Benjamin Mays.
“Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs[1]
A leader in the church and community, the Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs contributed decades of his life for the betterment of the lives of South Carolinians. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1926 and reared in Rock Hill. He earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College; a Master of Arts in Sociology from Atlanta University; a Master of Divinity from Colgate-Rochester Divinity School; and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago.
He helped organize South Carolina’s first sit-in demonstrations, held Feb. 12, 1960 in Rock Hill, primarily involving students from Friendship Junior College. As pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Florence, SC for more than fifty years, he facilitated: the purchase of additional property; establishment of a highly acclaimed preschool ministry; a federally operated credit union; and purchase of commercial property that includes barber shops, beauty salons and a restaurant.
In addition, he has contributed his time and expertise to many institutions and organizations. He served as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Friendship, Benedict and Morris colleges for an aggregate of twenty-four years. Diggs has served as board member of Friendship, Benedict and Morris colleges; Morehouse School of Religion; the Interdenominational Theological Center; Nannie Helen Burroughs School; the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity; and the Florence Mayor’s Human Relations Committee. He has also served as president of the Florence Branch of the NAACP.
He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including: the Order of the Palmetto; SC Black Hall of Fame; The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce “Building the Bridges Humanitarian Award”; and seven honorary degrees.
Diggs retired from the pastorate in December 2013. He has been married to Clotilda Daniels Diggs for 62 years, and the couple has two adult children — Mary Lynne and William, Jr. (Lennette). They have one grandson, William II.”
Dr. Diggs dedicated his life and work to the betterment of lives for South Carolinians. Dr. Diggs helped organize the first sit-in demonstrations in South Carolina, February 12, 1960, primarily involving Friendship Junior College students which predated the Friendship Nine sit-in the following year.
[1] South Carolina African American: https://scafricanamerican.com/honorees/rev-dr-william-p-diggs/
-
Interview with Richard Dinning
Richard Dinning
OH 309
In his October 17, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Richard Dinning (1922-2022) details his thoughts and memories as an Army Air Corps cadet at Winthrop. Dinning includes details of his career in the Army Air Corp during WWII.
Captain Richard Dinning (1922-2022) was a combat pilot and WWII veteran. Capt. Dinning flew a B-17 bomber on 33 missions over Germany from 1944 to 1945. Before his stint in the war his Army Air Corp training brought him to Winthrop College. In 1943 the U. S. Army established the 41st College Training Detachment at Winthrop College to train young men for assignments in the Army Air Corps. These young men took classes at Winthrop, lived in “Fort Bancroft” [Bancroft Hall] and completed flight training at Roddey Field located just south of the city of Rock Hill off of SC Highway 72. Richard Dinning was one of the young men who arrived at Winthrop, which was an all-female institution at the time, and stayed for nine weeks in the Spring of 1943.
-
Interview with Donna C. Durst - OH 292
Donna C. Durst
OH 292
This interview was conducted with 1983 Winthrop Graduate, Donna C. Durst who attended from 1979 to 1983. Donna is credited with writing the melody and co-writing the lyrics the Winthrop Alma Mater. She attended Winthrop due to it being a local and earned her degree in computer science in the College of Business. In the interview, Donna discusses the development of the Alma Mater and her experiences while attending Winthrop. She describes living in several different dormitories on campus while at Winthrop. She discusses the courses she took and how Winthrop has changed since she attended.
-
Interview with Doris "Dorothy" Ezell Schmitz
Doris Ezell-Schmitz
OH 302
In her December 11, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Doris Schmitz detailed her time at Winthrop during the era of desegregation and social unrest. Schmitz recalls the Civil Rights movement in Rock Hill and her family’s involvement. In particular, Schmitz describes her perception of the similarities and differences between white and black students during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Schmitz also recalls the courses and professors that had a profound effect on her future career as an educator. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Clarence Henry Graham - OH 668
Clarence Henry Graham
OH 668
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Clarence Graham for his Emmett Scott project. Clarence Henry Graham (1942-2016) grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He graduated Emmett Scott High School in 1959. Emmett Scott High School was the segregates school for African-Americans in Rock Hill. It was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 following full integration implemented in Rock Hill schools. Mr. Graham also attended Friendship Junior College and was one of the chief organizers of the Friendship Nine, a group of students that participated in non-violent Civil Rights protests. He spent 30 days in York County jail following his arrest and conviction for trespassing during a sit-in at McCrory’s lunch counter. Their slogan “Jail, no bail” was a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement in Rock Hill. In this interview Mr. Graham discusses his experiences during the Civil rights Movement and his treatment in the judicial system. He also discusses growing up in the Rock Hill area, attending Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College and those influences on his participating in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Graham also discusses his service in the Vietnam War, as well as his work in social services until he retired. He discusses his experiences with the renewed interest in the Friendship Nine in recent years as well.
-
Interview with Martha "Marty" Grigsby
Martha Grigsby
OH 293
In her December 10, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Martha Grigsby detailed her thoughts and memories of her time at Winthrop University. Grigsby shares the story of how she was able to attend Winthrop and the members of her community who assisted her in this process. Included are details of working in the dining hall on a scholarship, how relationships were formed amongst students, and how the students navigated Winthrop’s strict rules. Grigsby concludes her interview by stating how Winthrop helped her career as an educator and how she has stayed involved as an alumna. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Lib Guerry
Lib Guerry
OH 294
In her October 11, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Lib Guerry recalls her two-year experience at Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Barbara Haigler
Barbara Haigler
OH 295
In this interview on December 3, 2012, Robert Ryals speaks to Barbara Haigler, an alumnus of Winthrop University, about her memories of campus life. This interview covers Haigler’s time at Winthrop until her graduation in 1957. Among other things, Haigler discusses her memories of dorm life, classes, and social events. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.