LIU Oral History Project
The Project
Long Island University alumni have amazing stories to share, and we want to hear yours. We have partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc., (PCI) to launch a comprehensive Oral History Project, where this trusted vendor will contact our alumni to learn about their transformative experiences at LIU. These stories will be preserved in a commemorative print and digital book that celebrates the impact LIU has had on your lives and who you are today.
Your Story
What will you tell? What will you share? Below is a list of suggested topics to think about before you call.
- Did a faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
- Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
- Are you an LIU legacy family?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment on our campuses?
- Are you a first-generation graduate?
- Did you find your sweetheart at LIU?
PCI Partnership
To accomplish this massive project, we have partnered with a trusted vendor in PCI. By partnering with PCI, we’re able to access their trained staff of real, live human beings who are excited to listen and learn about our our alumni. (They are professional interviewer and writers!). Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes. PCI will not contact you again after the project has concluded. Alumni who do not respond to PCI and LIU outreach, will not be included in this project.
Do I Have to Buy Something?
No. This project is being done at NO COST to Long Island University. The project is completely funded by the alumni who choose to purchase the commemorative pieces that will be produced at the end of the project. PCI will also offer you the option to purchase other LIU branded merchandise—you are welcome to purchase LIU items such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, travel bags and hats but you are not required to do so to participate in the project.
What's Next?
You will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. See examples below. We’d like to invite you to share one of your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni. The PCI team will collect LIU stories for several months. After that, they will enter a post-production phase editing the data and creating the print and digital books. We hope to have the finished project in late by the end of 2022 or early 2023. We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I received an email/postcard/phone call asking for my personal information and a story about Long Island University. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to produce an Oral History Publication for Long Island 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 Long Island University and how the school helped 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.
2. Does Long Island 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
3. 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. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
4. 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 all 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 Long Island University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Long Island 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.
5. 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 publication by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
6. I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before publication to share your story.
7. I would like to share a story, but I may need an accommodation or assistance with the process.
Inclusivity is important at LIU and we want as many alumni to participate as possible. Call the LIU Alumni office at (516) 299-2263 and we will help you!
8. 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).
9. Can anyone purchase a book?
The Long Island University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Long Island University alumni.
10. 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.
