Established in 1971 at Allen Hall, the Unit One Living-Learning Community was the first of its kind at the University of Illinois. Since then, generations of students have taken part in classes, worked with artists-in-residence, attended programming events, and met lifelong friends in the community. This oral history project, conducted in 2023-2024 by Archives Research Assistant Spenser Bailey, aims to document Unit One's remarkable history by recording the stories and memories of administrators, guests, and residents.
Charles “Charlie” Meyerson arrived at the U of I in fall 1973 as an aspiring journalist. He lived in Allen Hall/Unit One for his first two years and considers it a “seminal” part of his college experience. In this interview, he discusses journalism, the WPGU radio station, student life, his broadcast career, and the effect that U of I has had on his life.
Danny Vogwill arrived at the University of Illinois in fall 2018, coming from an educationally minded family in Chicago. They made a last minute switch to Allen Hall, a decision which paid off – Danny eventually became an Allen RA, was deeply involved in Unit One activities, and even created, hosted, and filmed five (!) seasons of Allen Hall Big Brother. Remaining a tireless advocate for their residents even through the coronavirus pandemic, they graduated with an MCB degree in 2022. In this interview, they discuss their early life, path to college and U of I, Allen Hall and Unit One, the RA job, and navigating college before and during COVID-19.
George Miller attended from 1970 to 1974, and lived in Unit One at Allen Hall in its first year of existence, 1971-72. He joined Neely Bruce’s American Music Group, and later taught high school business. In this interview, he discusses the beginning of Unit One, in loco parentis period, student life, and the Library.
Howie Schein took a circuitous path to the University of Illinois, first studying at Grinnell College, then the University of California, Berkeley, and then arriving in Champaign to pursue his PhD. After graduation, he led Unit One as associate director and director from 1976 to 2008. In this interview, he discusses his early life and education, graduate studies, and how he guided Unit One as it evolved through the decades.
Jeff Machota attended the U of I from 1984 to 1986 and took full advantage of what Unit One/Allen Hall had to offer. He made connections with artists-in-residence and also got involved in the anti-apartheid movement. In this interview, he discusses his early life, activism, and his impressions of the University.
Sam Siner transferred from Harvard to U of I in fall 2007, and immediately knew that was the right decision. He lived and later worked at Allen Hall, leading orientation and becoming a program advisor. In this interview, he discusses higher education, programming at Allen Hall, and student life.
