The oral history project is a compilation of candid remembrances about life at Biola throughout the years, focusing on the stories of people who knew or were related to the early founders or were early alumni.

In the interest of gathering oral histories for the centennial celebration we partnered with Professor Judith Rood, from the History department and Megan Tanaka, instructor and project manager for the Biola Centennial Oral History Project.

A class was held fall 2006 for students to participate in the oral history project. The class instructor Megan Tanaka received her B.A. in History and M.A. in American Studies at California State University, Fullerton. The students received training in the methodology and techniques of oral history. Students carried out background research, conducted fieldwork interviews, and learned the basic procedures of processing and making available oral history tapes and transcripts. Students were involved in collecting the personal accounts of people who have contributed to Biola over the last 100 years.

A list of candidates that were deemed important in recounting Biola’s history were contacted and interviewed. These oral histories were captured on videotape and audiotape, then transcribed and entered into the University’s archives.