Share Your Kenyon Story

As part of our bicentennial, we’re partnering with Publishing Concepts Inc. to collect Kenyon stories. Many of the defining moments of Kenyon’s 200 years are reflected in our timeline, yet we know our alumni each have their own Kenyon story to tell. By sharing your story, you ensure that the rich history of Kenyon is preserved for generations to come. Whether it’s a professor who changed your life, the way you met your best friend or spouse or another memory that has stayed with you ... We want to hear it!

We’re also taking this opportunity to begin a comprehensive update of our alumni records. We want to stay in touch with you, especially throughout our bicentennial as we’ll continue to have exciting events and updates to share.

The window to submit stories is now closed. Look for the finished product this winter. Thanks to all who participated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kenyon has never conducted a large-scale oral history project and our bicentennial is a fitting moment to complete such an endeavor. Our hope is that this publication will chronicle the friendships, love, accomplishments and even struggles and tragedies that have defined life on the Hill over the last 60 years. We want to hear, share and celebrate your story! Lastly, we want to complete a project with archival value that matches the magnitude of our bicentennial and one that will give future generations a glimpse into the lives of Kenyon students and the lasting impact of a Kenyon education.

First the representative will ask you to verify or update your contact information. This will be shared back with Kenyon and not retained long-term by PCI. After confirming your contact information, they will ask you if you have a Kenyon story to share. We invite you to please think about this in advance. We have suggested story prompts, but you can share any story about your time at Kenyon. You will be asked for permission to record and share your story. Keep reading to understand how your story may be shared.

You will also have the opportunity to pre-order the finished product as well as Kenyon-branded bicentennial merchandise. You are under no obligation to make a purchase and it is not required to verify your contact information or share a story. Sales are between you and Publishing Concepts Inc.

Bicentennial apparel is also available through the Kenyon College Bookstore.

After rigorously verifying data security protocols, Kenyon has provided PCI with the necessary data to complete this project, and only for this project. After fulfilling its contractual obligations, PCI will destroy all information that Kenyon provided. Kenyon will retain data updates, stories, audio recordings, and the copyright to the final publication.

In addition to a printed publication of selected stories, almost all stories will be available digitally to subscribers. These services are only available through PCI and will only be available to Kenyon alumni. The oral history publication will not be available through the Kenyon Bookstore. Kenyon may use stories from the collection online or in print.

Regrettably, we don’t have the resources to complete a project of this size internally. PCI has the resources and experience to collect thousands of stories and transcribe, edit and verify them with the submitters for publication. More than 450 stories were shared in just the first week of our launch. Kenyon will work closely with PCI on the finished book. There is no cost to the College to produce the publication, which is funded through sales of the book and related merchandise.