Abstract
This interview with members of the Brown University class of 1990 summarizes the undergraduate experiences of Ashley E. Bruce, Elizabeth Bern, Chi Hyun Julianne Lee, Amy B. Levin, and Emily Sara Widmann, at their 25th reunion.
The interviewees begin by introducing themselves, stating their major, and sharing personal and profession background information about their lives after graduating from Brown. They go on to describe what drew them to Brown, what their expectations were, and whether they felt academically and socially prepared. Throughout the interview, the alumnae praise the open curriculum, which does not include course requirements, and explain the various ways it impacted their experiences at Brown and their adult lives.
A significant portion of the interview contains conversations about social life on campus. The interviewees recall having roommates for the first time, attending parties, and conducting thoughtful dialogs with friends. They mention the most prevalent issues on campus being Brown’s divestment from South Africa because of Apartheid, sexual assault on campus, AIDS awareness, and the call for need-blind admissions – the practice of accepting students based on their academic ability and not their ability to pay tuition.
Recorded on May 23, 2015 in Pembroke Hall, Brown University, Providence, RI.
Interviewed by Wendy Korwin
Suggested Chicago style citation: 25th Reunion, class of 1990. Interview. By Wendy Korwin. Pembroke Center Oral History Project, Brown University. May 23, 2015.
Biography
The Brown University class of 1990 graduated under President Vartan Gregorian. During their senior year, students created the Coalition for Need-Blind Admissions, encouraging the university to accept students based on their academic ability and not their ability to pay tuition. They also raised awareness of eating disorders during Body Image Awareness Week, and the group Men Can Stop Rape Now organized workshops on rape prevention. Speakers included film director Spike Lee, President of Mexico Carlos Salinas de Gortori, and Nobel Laurite Elie Wiesel. The students graduated on May 28th.