Interview with Judy Jorgensen

Partial Transcript: "Could you describe when and where where you born, who were your parents, and anything about your early life?

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen begins the interview by describing her early life and upbringing as an adopted daughter in Omaha, NE. Her parents worked for Quaker Oats, with family connections to the Buffets. She recalls moving a lot during her childhood, finally attending High School near Chicago, and describes several of her interests and extracurricular activities.

Keywords: Journalism; Omaha, NE; Quaker Oats

Partial Transcript: [No question] "So then, time to go to college. I went to Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA"

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen talks about her college experience at a liberal arts institution in Iowa, including how she met her husband on her second day. She majored in English and Secondary Education, and was involved in several activities, including founding a women's sorority before graduating in 1960. She would go on to get married the summer after graduating.

Keywords: Cornell College; Sorority

Partial Transcript: [No question] "We moved to Clinton, IA, and I had a wonderful part-time job..."

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen describes her first job after college, teaching part-time in a Catholic girls' high school in Clinton, IA, where she moved with her husband, and taught English and World Literature.

Keywords: Catholic High School; Clinton, IA; World Literature

Partial Transcript: "Can you explain [Cornell College's] one class at a time?"

Segment Synopsis: In this segment, Jorgensen describes Cornell College's one-class-at-a-time instructional model, and its reputation and legacy among alumni and on the workforce.

Keywords: Cornell College; One class at a time

Partial Transcript: "Can you say more about the association of women students?"

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen talks about her advocacy on behalf of women students while in college, including allowing women the equal right to smoke. She then elaborates on her early teaching experiences in her first two institutions. She then talks about her and her husband's decision to leave Iowa for Brookfield, WI, which she immediately loved.

Keywords: Brookfield, WI; smoking in dorms; women's rights

Partial Transcript: How was the transition [to Milwaukee] for [your kids]?

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen describes the way each of her children reached to and adapted to life in Milwaukee. She talks about taking a job teaching at Waukesha County Technical College leading up to becoming the Academic Dean, and the impact she has been able to have on students, including stories of memorable students.

Keywords: Milwaukee; Waukesha County Technical College

Partial Transcript: "At what point did you go to UW for your masters?"

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen talks about her experience teaching and her one-on-one experiences with students and pursuing key objectives in the College as both a teacher and subsequently as an administrator. In addition, she reflects on millennials in the classroom ans inter-generational interactions with students today

Keywords: Millenials in the classroom; Promotion; Waukesha County Technical College

Partial Transcript: "You've been retired for 18 years. What changes in students have you noticed?"

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen recalls a few memorable stories of students across several generations who have gone on to have various successes in different fields and careers.

Keywords: Gen X; Student successes

Partial Transcript: "Were there other instances of discrimination?" What was it like being a woman in a position of authority?"

Segment Synopsis: In this segment, Jorgensen talks about her post-retirement service on the board of numerous organizations and community foundations, remaining very involved both at Cornell College and with various Milwaukee-area groups.

Keywords: Discrimination in education; Greater Milwaukee Foundation; Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Partial Transcript: "[No Question] Do you want me to talk about my relationship with the University?"

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen talks about her own affection for UW-Madison and the city, as well as Badger Football, as well as that of several of her children and family members who have attended or been affiliated with the campus.

Keywords: Badger Football; Madison; UW-Madison

Segment Synopsis: Jorgensen talks about her involvement with the Council and work serving UW from the board.

Keywords: Women's Philanthropy Council

Partial Transcript: "What are you currently involved with?"

Segment Synopsis: JJ describes current and ongoing community service engagements.

Keywords: Cornell College; Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra