Before We Were Bobcats - Oral History Project
The Georgia College & State University Office of Alumni Engagement is excited to announce the Before We Were Bobcats Oral History Project designed to capture the rich history and memories of our alumni community. Long before blue and green and the bobcat mascot, Georgia College was home to Colonials and Golden Slipper competitions. Those are the generations on which this project will focus and each story is important to preserve the legacy of our institution.
Participate in the Oral History Project
Please consider sharing your story with us for this important project. We've partnered with PCI (Publishing Concepts) and you'll receive a postcard and email from them explaining the Before We Were Bobcats Oral History Project and how you can be involved.
By sharing your memories, you'll help us memorialize the rich history of our university throughout the years.
Front of postcard |
Back of postcard |
How It Works
Participating in the project is simple! You'll receive postcards and emails with a phone number to call in and share your story over the phone.
During the call, PCI will verify your contact information to ensure the most up-to-date information is in our system. All personal information will be kept confidential and used only for this purpose.
You will be able to buy the Before We Were Bobcats Oral History Project book or digital publication during the call, as well as some custom branded merchandise, but the purchase is absolutely optional! You can just confirm your contact information and record your story, no purchase necessary.
What to Talk About
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tell us about favorite classes or professors
- Let us see traditions through your eyes. Tell us about those special moments and how they mattered to you.
- How did your time here prepare you for your career and life after graduation?
- What stands out the most about Milledgeville and the campus?
- What would you like to preserve for the next graduates of this institution so that they know the values and stories from your time here?
What Happens Next
All the collected stories will be compiled into a special book available for purchase, as well as a digital version. Please note: No purchase is necessary; you can share your story and update your information without purchasing the book, digital publication, or branded merchandise.
Questions?
We've listed some answers to Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have questions about this project that are not covered in this list, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 478-445-8158 or alumni@gcsu.edu.
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Georgia College & State University. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Georgia College & State University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Georgia College & State University and how the school helped to 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 GCSU benefit from this at all?
Yes, in two ways, in particular:
- Strengthening the Legacy - collecting and sharing your stories preserves the history of Georgia College
- Updated Information - allows us to effectively communicate with and engage you and your fellow alumni
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
We are 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.
How can I participate? I would like to verify or update my information and share a story.
- 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 Georgia College & State University. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to Georgia College & State University 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 Georgia College & State University update line at 1-800-414-3004.
- If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
How can I participate if I am 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/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before June 19,2026, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com.
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before June 19, 2026, 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 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).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The Georgia College & State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to GCSU alumni.
When will I receive my book?
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12-13 months. The project will begin in December 2025 and books will be distributed in January of 2027.
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.