Class of 1978 Oral History Project

When the Class of 1978 entered Princeton, the men in the class outnumbered the women 783 to 341, giving the word “ratio” added meaning in social circles. Members of the class who spoke with PAW at Reunions recalled that gender imbalance, as well as other notable themes and events, including the early days of women’s athletics, the campaign for divestment from South Africa, and the story of the “A-bomb kid.” Full transcripts of their remarks will be added to the University Archives at Mudd Library.

In excerpts from 14 interviews, alumni recall their student days, both good and bad. Participants featured in the video are: James Beck ’78, Dorothy Bedford ’78, Catherine Caldicott ’78, Barbara (Brink) Chapman ’78, Andrea de Cholnoky ’78 & Sarah (Finnie) Robinson ’78, Tina de Varon ’78, Nancy (Lester) du Tertre ’78, Alexandra Halsey ’78, Scott Hayworth ’78, Tim James ’78, Mary Kilty ’78, Bob Peskin ’78, John Aristotle Phillips ’78, and Meg Monroe Zellinger ’78. Caldicott’s interview was recorded via Skype; all others were recorded at Reunions.