Description
This interview was conducted by Prof. Donald Raichle in preparation for his book From a Normal Beginning: the Origins of Kean College of New Jersey, printed in 1980. It’s a transcript between Zara Cohan, Raichle, and other alumni and faculty.
In this interview, Cohan and the others reflected on the college’s profound influence, highlighting its close-knit, supportive environment and the accessibility of its teachers. The art program offered students a broad and forward-thinking education that fostered creativity and critical thinking. While some general education courses were criticized as uninspiring, certain professors of those classes inspired lasting intellectual growth. They recalled a strong sense of responsibility and resilience shaped by their era, contrasting it with shifting attitudes in later generations. Memorable stories of faculty and classmates illustrated the college’s lasting legacy in shaping careers, artistry, and personal values.
Creation Date
2-26-1975
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Raichle, Donald, Zara Cohan, Claire Saal, Shirley Gray, Ellen Ahrens, Rae Hannon, and Ethel Linehan. Interview with Zara Cohen and Others. Article. From Special Collections Research Library and Archive, Kean University, Interviews. https://digitalcommons.kean.edu/ua_interviews/13
Publishing Repository
Special Collections Research Library and Archive, Kean University
