Abstract
This interview with members of the Brown University class of 1992, captures the diverse undergraduate experiences of Aelish Marie Joyce, Rhonda Cherie Boyd, Resa Ellen Lewiss, Cristina Marie Lopez, Deborah Jane Pearlman, Samantha Lauren Fine Schreiber, Linda Jill Siegel, Jessika Sorrosa, and Karen Young, at their 25th reunion.
The alumnae begin by introducing themselves and explaining what drew them to Brown, citing the comforting nature of the campus, as well as the university’s ability to positively influence students’ lives. They all laud the diversity of Brown’s student body and course selections. They go on to share some of their happiest memories of their time at Brown including dorm life, roommates, and invigorating courses, professors, and visitors. The interviewees also discuss some of their more challenging times, including an instance of racism in a dorm, and the Title IX lawsuit, Cohen versus Brown.
The interviewees broaden their conversation to consider their experiences as women on campus and women in the workforce. Boyd cites particular difficulty as a first generation college student with lack of support from the administration, and they all briefly recall the takeover of University Hall as a protest for need-blind admissions.
See also: Title IX lawsuit, Cohen versus Brown
Recorded on May 27, 2017 in Pembroke Hall, Brown University, Providence, RI.
Interviewed by Mary Murphy, Nancy L. Buc ’65 LLD‘94 hon Pembroke Center Archivist
Suggested Chicago style citation: 25th Reunion, class of 1992. Interview. By Mary Murphy. Pembroke Center Oral History Project, Brown University. May 27, 2017.
Biography
The Brown University class of 1992 graduated under President Vartan Gregorian. They enjoyed visiting speakers such as Spike Lee, Kurt Vonnegut, Elie Wiesel, and Julia Child, and enjoyed regular sporting events and celebrations. Nationally, during their senior year, the Los Angeles riots occurred following the acquittal of four police officers that were filmed nearly beating to death Rodney King during a routine traffic stop. Tennis player Arthur Ashe announced that he was suffering from the AIDS virus, while George H. W. Bush met with President of Russia Boris Yeltsin at Camp David, where they formally declare that the Cold War is over.