Alumni are invited to share their Montclair State stories for a book that will preserve the rich history of our beloved institution, as told by those who have lived it. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell your Montclair State story, capture memories of favorite professors or celebrate classmates.
The university has collaborated with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI), to create an oral history of Montclair State that will record our shared connections. With more than 130,000 alumni and so many inspiring professors through the years, what better way to recognize our impact as a community than to share our personal narratives?
The collection of stories will be available for purchase from PCI. While there is a fee to purchase the printed book/merchandise (Montclair State does not make any proceeds from this project), you do not need to purchase the book to contribute your Oral History. Montclair State will obtain digital copies of your stories.
Please note that due to COVID-19, printing was delayed. Alumni who purchased the book should have received it October 2021.
PCI General Customer Service line:
1.800.982.1590
PCI Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (CT)
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (CT)
Closed Sunday
Montclair State Contact:
Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement
973-655-4141
alumni@54zhangmi.com
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Montclair State University. Is this a legitimate project, or is it a scam?
We have collaborated with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Montclair State University. PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation. This project allows Montclair State University to hear about your personal experiences and explain how Montclair State University has helped shape your lives.
Does Montclair State University benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Legacy – Preserves the oral history of our school
- Updated Information – Allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
- Pride – Wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
However, Montclair State does not make any profit from this project, unless you choose to support the University with an additional donation.
How do I know my information will only be used for this specific purpose?
Montclair State University has a contractual agreement with PCI that states:
The names, addresses and information provided to PCI by Montclair State University for the publication of the Oral History Publication will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Publication and except as required by court order or law.
The Oral History Publication will be made available only to alumni of Montclair State University. Upon completion of the project, PCI will return to Montclair State University any and all electronic files that have been supplied by Montclair State University or produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Publication.
I would like to 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 all 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 Montclair State University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Montclair 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 have questions, you may call PCI’s customer service desk at 1.800.982.1590.
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what to share.
You can call back at any time to share your story, or schedule a call back with a representative.
I shared a story and the representative said I could provide some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload your photos. If you do not have an email address, you will be sent a mailer to send physical photos in to be used (note: photos may not be returned).
I’d like to add/remove info from my story.
You will receive an email prior to publication that will allow you to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
Can anyone purchase a book?
The Montclair State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Montclair State University alumni.
Can I choose some or all of my information not to be printed in the book?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative what information you prefer to have excluded. You may also communicate this information to the PCI customer service desk at 1.800.982.1590 or to the Alumni Association directly.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Call the PCI customer service help desk at 1.800.982.1590 and they will take care of this for you.