Oral History Project

YOUR STORIES, OUR LEGACY

The University of Sioux Falls owes its legacy to you. The time you spent here and the memories you made along the way have left a legacy and shape the story of our University.

That’s why we’re excited to partner with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) on an Oral History Project to gather stories from alumni about their experiences at SFC/USF. As a tribute to past and future generations, we invite you to share memories celebrating the people and events that have impacted your journey. It can be serious or lighthearted, a heart-felt tribute or an story with a bit of humor.

Your stories will be recorded, transcribed, and, along with submitted photos, published as a book that will be available for purchase. The book will be organized into various chapters like Student Life, COO Couples (love stories), Culture for Service, Family and Friends, Academic Influences, Career Success, and Myths, Pranks, and Urban Legends. Stories may appear beyond the publication including the web, USF Magazine, or social media.

So… what story will you tell?

Ready to share your story?

Please call PCI directly at (855) 303-9216, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CT) or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (CT).

How It Works

PCI Partnership

Our trusted partner, PCI (the same company that produces the popular hardcover USF Alumni Directory) will contact USF/SFC alumni directly through postcards, emails, and phone calls with two important invitations:

1. An invitation to update and verify your contact information to help you stay connected to USF.

2. An invitation to share about your experience. What are your fondest memories from your time at USF/SFC? PCI has a dedicated team ready to record your stories.

Cost and Timeline

There is NO COST to share your story, and we invite all alumni to participate. If interested, you will have an opportunity to purchase the publication as a hardbound book or digital collection.

Final publication will be delivered in book and digital formats in June 2025 to purchasing alumni.

What kind of story should you tell?

It’s up to you, but ideas include:

  • College connections that have developed into lifelong relationships
  • A memorable trip, service project, internship or opportunity in the community
  • Participation in a student organization, ensemble or athletic team that impacted you in a meaningful way
  • The love story of how you and your significant other met on campus
  • Faculty or staff members who left a lasting impression
  • Student organization involvement that helped shape you
  • A career-defining experience or moment
  • The impact of receiving or giving a scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni

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

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the University of Sioux Falls. PCI is a family-owned business in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years, including the USF Alumni Directory in 2020. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at USF/SFC 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.

Does the University of Sioux Falls benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Legacy -- collecting and sharing stories preserves the history of our school
  • Updated information -- allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni

How do I know my information will only be used by PCI 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 can 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 USF/SFC. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip recorded will be provided to the University of Sioux Falls 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 USF update line at (855) 303-9216.
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

How can I participate if I'm 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. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear anytime before 12/20/2024 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 anytime before 12/20/2024 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 & white or color) plus a caption. If you do not have an email address on file, you can request 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 University of Sioux Falls Oral History Publication is available for sale only to USF alumni.

When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in June 2024, the books will be distributed in June 2025.

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.