Alumni Engagement
Oral History Project
What is the Oral History Project?
Coppin State University has partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to update alumni contact information and collect alumni stories for publication in a book that will be available in 2025 in celebration of our 125th anniversary. This will allow Coppin to stay connected with Eagles across the country.
What to Expect
- Project Start. Coppin State University alumni will receive an email and postcard providing details about the Oral History Project. This postcard or email includes a phone number to call to update your contact information and share your Coppin story.
- Tell Your Story. During your call, a representative will encourage you to share your story to ensure that your story is accurately captured.
- Purchase Your Book. After you update your information and share your Coppin story, you will have the opportunity to donate to Coppin State University or purchase the book with your story in it.
- Confirm Your Story. This is where you will have the chance to make sure your story is captured the way you want it and make any changes to your story as you see fit. Be sure to double check names, dates, etc. were captured accurately.
- Project Completion. Once all alumni stories have been collected and reviewed, you will get a notification that the project has been completed.
- Book Delivery. Once your book arrives, take a moment to share your Coppin experience with others and read stories from other fellow alumni.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've partnered with PCI (Publishing Concepts Inc.) to create an Oral History Publication for Coppin State University in celebration of our upcoming 125th Anniversary in 2025. This project captures your personal experiences and how Coppin shaped your life. While speaking with you, we’ll also update your contact information to improve alumni communications. PCI’s support allows the Office of Alumni Engagement team to focus on growing our alumni association, and strengthening our volunteers, events, and alumni programs while reaching thousands of alumni efficiently.
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
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
PCI is committed to protecting your information. Names, addresses, and details provided for the Oral History Project will remain confidential, used only for the publication unless required by law. As our trusted partner, PCI is PCI DSS compliant, meaning they undergo regular audits to ensure data security. Your information is solely used for this project and is removed from their servers after updating our records. By sharing your updated contact information, Coppin State University can keep you in the loop regarding university updates.
PCI is committed to protecting your information, which will be kept confidential and used only for the Oral History Project, except as required by law.
- If you received a postcard or email with a number, call it to speak with a representative who will update your details and record your story for Coppin State University.
- If you received an email with a link, use it to review your info and submit a story online.
- If you didn’t receive a postcard or email, call the Coppin State University update line at 888-843-9596.
- For international updates or if you’re unable to call, email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com for a link to submit your story and photo.
The publication includes only your name, class year, degree, story, and photo—no contact information is printed. Updated contact info will solely update your alumni record. You may withdraw consent for your story or photo by 4/11/2025 by contacting PCI at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
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).
The Coppin State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Coppin State University alumni.
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12-14 months. Since we began the project in October 2024, the books will be distributed from October to December 2025.
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with a link to your transcribed story so that you may make any additions or deletions before the publication is sent to press.