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Oral History Project

Oral History Project

Tell Your Story

 

Now is the Time to Tell Your Story

The Norfolk State University Office of Advancement is thrilled to announce the NSU Oral History Project (OHP). Through this initiative, our alumni will have the opportunity to voluntarily relive and share their Spartan Stories and fondest college memories.
 

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a strong alumni network, we invite you to assist us in collecting updated biographic information. Our trusted partner, Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) will be reaching out to you so that you can update your information and share your story with a trained PCI staff member. Stories will be showcased in a hardcover book that will celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our institution’s history.
 

Next Steps

Our trusted partner, PCI will contact you by postcard and email communications asking you to give them a call to update your data and share your story. You may contact the Office of Advancement at 757-823-8323 or Shana James with any additional questions.
 

"The Oral History Project is a vital initiative that will beautifully capture and preserve the transformative stories of our alumni's campus experiences and the impact NSU had on their lives."

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Dr. Clifford Porter

Vice President for University Advancement

 

Example Postcards

this is just an image of the front of a mailer postcard. screen-readers will read the text
this is just an image of the back of a mailer postcard. screen-readers will read the text


Example Newsletter

this is just an image of the front of a mailer postcard. screen-readers will read the text

Sample Postcard Contents - front

Norfolk State University
700 Park Ave. 410
Norfolk, VA 23504
Important: Verification of Alumni Data Now Needed.
Please call 1-800-000-0000 5 days.

Sample Postcard content - rear

As a YYYY graduate of Norfolk State University, I need a quick verification from you Norfolk State University recently launched a comprehensive alumni data verification project

We've assembled the information currently listed in our alumni files and need your help to confirm the accuracy of your record and fill in any information gaps.

That's why it’s so important to call 1-800-000-0000 within the next 5 days.

Verification 1s quick and easy. Many alumni also share stories of the campus experience to help celebrate our history at the same time.

Your prompt assistance 1s greatly appreciated. Please call 1-800-000-0000 to verify your Norfolk State University alum data today.

Sincerely

Mr Clifford Porter. JD
Vice president for University Advancement

Sample newsletter Contents - front

Important: Verification of Norfolk State University alumni information is needed.
Please Call 1-800-000-0000.
Your Invitation ID#: 000000
Reference #:0000000

Dear Philip,

Norfolk State University recently launched a comprehensive alumni verification project. We are also collecting stories from our alumni to memorialize the history of the campus experience through the years.

We've assembled the information currently listed in your file and need your help to confirm the accuracy of your record and fill in any information gaps.

That's why it's so important to call 1-800-000-0000 (toll-free) I need your help to verify the accuracy of the data currently listed in your file.

Your prompt assistance is greatly appreciated. Please call the Norfolk State University Hot line at 1-800-000-0000 to verify your data.

If you recently verified your alumni record, thank you for your assistance!

You will always be a Spartan!

Sincerely,
Mr. Clifford Porter, J.D.
Vice President for University Advancement
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 3am - 6pm ET

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Norfolk State University. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Norfolk State University. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Norfolk State University and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does Norfolk State University benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
  • Revenue – generates donation revenue for alumni programs
  • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

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 verify or 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 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 Norfolk State University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Norfolk State University at the conclusion of the project.

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.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 1/12/2024 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before 1/12/2024 to share your story.

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

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

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

Can anyone purchase a book?

The Norfolk State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Norfolk State University alumni.

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

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.