What are Centennial Stories?

Every Eastern and Palmer alum has a unique story of passion and achievement during their time spent within our community. We recognize the value of these stories and the role they play in shaping our shared history. We’re eager to hear your story!

However, with thousands of alumni, connecting with each of you individually to hear your stories would take years! That’s why we’re partnering with a company named Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to streamline the process of capturing your stories.

What to Expect

As a Palmer or Eastern alum, you will receive an email and postcard with details regarding the Oral History Project that will walk you through the steps for scheduling a time to call PCI to update your information and share your story.

Project Start: As a Palmer or Eastern alum, you will get an email and postcard about the Oral History Project outlining the steps to schedule a call with PCI to update your info and share your story.

Tell Your Story: During your scheduled call, a trained PCI interviewer will guide your conversation and help ensure your story is captured accurately.

Purchase Your Book: During the call with PCI, you will be able to purchase special Eastern, Palmer, or Centennial apparel, and the Eastern Centennial Stories book with your story in it!

Project Completed: Once all of our alumni stories have been collected and reviewed, you will receive notification that the project has been completed.

Book Delivery: Your book arrives! Now it’s time to share your story and explore memories with fellow alumni.

Postcard and Email Examples:

Centennial

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Centennial

Have a Question?

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about my time at EBTS/Palmer/Eastern. Tell me more about the project.

​​​​​​We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts, Inc.) to produce an Oral History Publication for Eastern 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 Eastern and how the school helped shape your life. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to ensure your contact information is up-to-date.

What kind of stories should I share?

 

PCI is looking for stories from your time at Eastern, including topics/themes related to student life (dorm life, student groups you were a part of), love stories, academic influences, career success you have experienced since your time at EU, and any traditions/special memories (homecoming, commencement, etc.).

Does Eastern benefit from this at all?

​​​​​​Yes, in a few different ways:

Updated Information: Updating your information allows us to effectively communicate with and engage our alumni.

Legacy: Sharing and collecting your stories preserves the history of our school, especially as we celebrate our Centennial year!

Pride: Purchasing and wearing our apparel shows support and love for our school.

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

​​​​​PCI is 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.

I would like to verify or 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 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 ask you to share your story about your time at Eastern. 

Your story will be recorded and the sound clip will be provided to Eastern 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 are living internationally or unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link 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 to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information is printed 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. Your updated contact information will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association.

Once you share your story, PCI will send you a follow-up email with a link to your story for review after it is transcribed and edited. You will have until November 22, 2024 to review & edit your story.

You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before November 22, 2024, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-877-303-7219 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need more time to think about what I want to share about my story.

​​​​​​You can call back any time before November 22, 2024 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 to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

​​​​​​The Eastern University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Eastern alumni.

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 1-877-303-7219 and they will take care of this for you.

Is Purchasing the Book Required?

No! All alumni are encouraged to call in and share their stories without making a purchase. Purchasing is completely optional for those that would like their own copy to keep and share!