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Alumni

Since 1975, over 200 hundred people have graduated from the Historical Administration Program. An active and extensive alumni association, Historical Administration Program Association, provides support to the program and to students by purchasing various supplies as well as sponsoring the fall and spring study trips. The association also publishes a quarterly newsletter, HAPpenings; sponsors a yearly symposium; and maintains a current directory of alumni.

The following are testimonials by alumni about the program:

“The faculty really did a fantastic job in helping place me in an internship after my classes were finished, and the work that I did in both my internship and in the classroom more than prepared me for my current position.”

- Tim Gerber, (2003), Montana Heritage Commission
Virginia City, MT

“What makes the program special is the practical knowledge coupled with fine history studies. The extension through the alumni association has given me regional contacts to call on about anything from jobs to potential fabrication firms.”

- Mike Sarna, (1991), Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Chicago

“Returning to school as a 40 year-old ‘non-traditional’ student, I was determined to find a program that worked for me. The HA program not only prepared me for the field, but allowed me to do so in just one year. At EIU I was able to establish friendships that continue to the present day. The Historical Administration Program at Eastern Illinois University got me where I am today. ”

- Chuck Backus, (2000), Kentucky Historical Society,
Frankfort, KY

“As a student looking to make a career change, the EIU HA Program
enabled me to get back in the job market in only 18 months. The one year curriculum is great!”

- Joy Matthiessen, (1988), Des Plaines Historical Society
Des Plaines, IL