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UB Alumni Oral History Project
The Project
In 2021, we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the University at Buffalo. The UB Alumni Association (UBAA) recognizes UB’s impact on more than 273,000 alumni, and marks this historic year by honoring the campus experience.
Every UB graduate has a story, and we want to hear yours! That’s why UBAA is embarking on an oral history project to collect your story—in your own words. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the 175th anniversary, so you may share how UB helped you become the person you are today.
Is this phone call, postcard and/or email real?
Like you, we often receive communication that leaves us questioning ‘Is this real or is it a scam?’ We understand why you might be feeling the same after receiving your invitation to participate in UB’s Oral History Project. Whether you received an email, phone call or postcard about the Oral History Project (see samples below) – let us ease your mind - the project is real. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to invite our incredible alumni to participate in UB’s 175 anniversary celebration. Whether your decision to attend the University at Buffalo was 5 or 50 years ago, we are sure glad you said YES to UB and would love to hear your story. Learn more about our partner company below.
Our Partner
With more than 273,000 alumni worldwide, that’s a lot of stories! With a project of this size, we went to the experts: Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI). PCI also worked with us on the 2017-2018 alumni directory project. By partnering with PCI again, we’re able to access their trained staff, who are excited to listen to alumni stories. Your call will be recorded to allow PCI the ability to reference and curate your story for potential use in the oral history book. 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.
Your Story
What UB memory will you tell?
- Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment at our alma mater?
- Did you find your sweetheart at UB?
- Were you on campus during a historic moment?
- Does your family have a UB legacy?
- Was there a club, group or sport that was special in rounding out your student experience?
What’s Next?
You should have received an email and/or postcard communications from the PCI team with an invitation to call and share your story. You may also receive a phone call asking you to participate. We encourage you to join the thousands of UB alumni who have already shared their story in celebration of UB’s 175th anniversary. The PCI team will collect stories until early June 2021. Following the story collection, PCI will design, edit and print the book. We hope to have the book distributed in December 2021.
Keeping the Connection
As part of this project, PCI will help us collect updated contact information from alumni who may have moved, so we can continue to serve UB alumni worldwide.
Do I Have to Buy Something?
No. The project is completely funded by the alumni who choose to purchase the oral history book that will be produced as part of the project. Various book packages will be offered to you, and PCI also will offer you the option to purchase UB Alumni Association branded merchandise. You are welcome to purchase some or all of these items, but you are not required to do so to participate. This project is being done at no cost to the UB Alumni Association. We would not be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing alumni and the partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates and chooses to purchase the book.
What to Look For
Below is an example of a postcard you will receive in the mail. This is an official postcard from the UB Alumni Association, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard, please follow the instructions to update your information and share your story.
Below is an example of an email you will receive in your inbox. Once you receive the email, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your UB memories.
I did not receive any communication about this, can I still participate?
YES! We welcome stories from ALL UB alumni, even if you do not recall receiving the postcard, email or phone call. Call 1-888-842-5884 and a PCI representative will be glad to assist you.
Questions?
To get answers to frequently asked questions from alumni regarding the oral history project, please see our FAQs below.
If you have any other questions regarding the project, please reach out to PCI customer service at 1-888-842-5884 or UB’s Office of Alumni Engagement using the form below.
I received an email, postcard or phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about my experiences at the University at Buffalo. Is this a legitimate project?
Yes, it’s legitimate! The UB Alumni Association has partnered with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to produce an oral history publication for the University at Buffalo. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, Texas. PCI has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years including our last directory in 2018. This project allows us to hear how UB has helped shape your life.
Does the University at Buffalo benefit from this project?
Yes, in a several ways. We receive updated information, which allows us to effectively communicate with alumni. Collecting alumni stories helps preserve the history of our university. As part of this project, alumni may select apparel to show their support and pride. And finally, this project generates revenue for alumni programs.
Will my information only be used for oral history project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. Names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the oral history project will be held confidential by PCI, and will only be utilized in the preparation of the oral history project. When the project is complete, PCI will redact personal identifiable information from all electronic files in connection with the production of the project.
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
If you received a postcard or 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 as needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at the University at Buffalo. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to UB 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.
If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated University at Buffalo update line at 1-888-842-5884.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk, customerservice@publishingconcepts.com, or email UB directly.
I updated my information, but need more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time to share your story, or schedule a call back with a representative.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos plus captions. If you also purchased a book, but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos to PCI to be printed. Photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
I’d like to add or remove information from my story.
You will receive an email prior to publication with a link to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
If I share a story, do I have to provide a photo? If I want a photo included, do I have to share a story?
You may share as little or as much as you’d like. Some people only want to share a story, others only want to share a photo and caption.
Can anyone purchase a book?
Only graduates of UB may purchase the University at Buffalo oral history publication.
When will I receive my book?
The books are scheduled to be distributed in December 2021.
I ordered a book or package over the phone, and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-888-842-5884 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com and they will take care of this for you.