Wilkes University's Oral History Project Partnership with PCI
Wilkes has collaborated with Publishing Concepts (PCI), to create an oral history of the University! We understand security and privacy are concerns, but please know that PCI is a trusted partner of the Wilkes Alumni Association. This project will help to advance the mission of Wilkes University.
The collection of stories will be available for purchase from PCI in a special digital/print publication. While there is a fee to purchase the printed book and Wilkes branded merchandise, no purchase is necessary to contribute to the Oral History project. Wilkes will obtain digital copies of your stories which will be included in our archives for years to come. Wilkes partnered with PCI in 2018 on the alumni directory and is pleased to be partnering with them once again.
Soon you will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. 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 stories through August 2022. After that, they will enter a post-production phase editing the data. We hope to have the book distributed in early 2023.
We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you regarding your memories of Wilkes!
What to Look For
You will receive postcards in the mail as well as emails. These are official materials distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard or email, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your story.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 570-408-7836 or alumni@wilkes.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Wilkes University. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?
We have collaborated with PCI to produce the oral history publication. PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation.
How does Wilkes benefit from this project?
Wilkes benefits from this project in a few ways:
Legacy – Help us preserve the oral history of our school
Updated Information – Help us effectively communicate with and engage alumni
Gifts – Help us support Wilkes students and mission
Pride – Wear apparel shows support and love for our school
How do I know my information will only be used for this specific purpose?
Wilkes has a contractual agreement with PCI to hold confidential any information they receive from alumni including names, addresses and stories for the Oral History project. Upon completion of the project, any updated information or personal stories will be returned back to Wilkes University. At no time will Wilkes ever sell or misuse your personal information.
I would like to 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 listed 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 experiences at Wilkes. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Wilkes 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.
Will my call be recorded?
As a caller, you will hear the following recording before you connect with a representative, "Thank you for calling to update your information for the upcoming publication. All calls are recorded for quality and training purposes. Please have your personal ID number available and an associate will be with you momentarily.” PCI is required by law to advise callers that they are being recorded."
What are some of the questions that I will be asked?
Here are some questions you may be asked when sharing your Wilkes experience.
What inspired you to attend Wilkes? What made you choose Wilkes? Who were your favorite professors? Lifelong friendships? How has Wilkes impacted your career, relationships, life after Wilkes? What does Wilkes mean to you?
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what 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 provide some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload your photos. If you do not have an email address, you will be sent a mailer to send physical photos in to be used (note: photos may not be returned).
I’d like to add/remove info from my story.
You will receive an email prior to publication that will allow you to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
Can anyone purchase a book?
This publication is only available to Wilkes University alumni.
Can I choose some or all of my information not to be printed in the book?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative what information you prefer to have excluded or you can contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or 570-408-7836 to let us know.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Call the PCI customer service at (800) 982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.