Tape 7, Side 2. In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 17, 1994, Ryles further discusses his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He reflects on the accomplishments of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce during the 1980s. He speaks about working with people on the Portland Development Commission and the Housing Authority to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland. He talks about working to establish community mental health services, and about raising money for the Homeless Action Fund.

Tape 8, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 17, 1994, Ryles further discusses his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He reflects on the accomplishments of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce during the 1980s. He speaks about working with people on the Portland Development Commission and the Housing Authority to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland. He talks about working to establish community mental health services, and about raising money for the Homeless Action Fund.

Tape 9, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 9, Side 2. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 10, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 10, Side 2. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 11, Side 1. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 11, Side 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 12, Side 1. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 12, Side 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 13, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 13, Side 2. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 14, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 14, Side 2. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 15, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on April 9, 1993, DeBernardis discusses his family background and early life in the Portland, Oregon, area, including jobs he did during his childhood. He speaks at length about his early education and his teachers. He talks about his experience studying engineering at Oregon State University, including his classes, teachers, and how he decided to become a teacher. He also discusses his involvement in designing the Bonneville Dam while in college. He then talks about working as a shop teacher at Ockley Green Elementary School in Portland and working with students. He speaks briefly about his master’s thesis, then talks about switching to becoming an education administrator and shares his philosophy on what makes a good administrator. He talks about his wife, Jessie Genevieve Hulery, and their children. He describes his service training officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on April 9, 1993, DeBernardis discusses his family background and early life in the Portland, Oregon, area, including jobs he did during his childhood. He speaks at length about his early education and his teachers. He talks about his experience studying engineering at Oregon State University, including his classes, teachers, and how he decided to become a teacher. He also discusses his involvement in designing the Bonneville Dam while in college. He then talks about working as a shop teacher at Ockley Green Elementary School in Portland and working with students. He speaks briefly about his master’s thesis, then talks about switching to becoming an education administrator and shares his philosophy on what makes a good administrator. He talks about his wife, Jessie Genevieve Hulery, and their children. He describes his service training officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on April 16, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and talks about the changes in education after the war. He describes working with Portland Public Schools in the late 1940s and 1950s; talks about his main accomplishments; and describes his educational philosophy. He then speaks about the beginnings of adult education in Oregon and about serving as Portland Community College’s first president from 1961 to 1979. He describes the various programs PCC offered, the development of its campuses, and the opposition the fledgling college faced. He talks about the relationship between PCC and Portland Public Schools, other community colleges in the Portland Metro area, and about the Oregon State Department of Education. He discusses tuition rates and the value of the classes that PCC offers.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on April 16, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and talks about the changes in education after the war. He describes working with Portland Public Schools in the late 1940s and 1950s; talks about his main accomplishments; and describes his educational philosophy. He then speaks about the beginnings of adult education in Oregon and about serving as Portland Community College’s first president from 1961 to 1979. He describes the various programs PCC offered, the development of its campuses, and the opposition the fledgling college faced. He talks about the relationship between PCC and Portland Public Schools, other community colleges in the Portland Metro area, and about the Oregon State Department of Education. He discusses tuition rates and the value of the classes that PCC offers.

Tape 3, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on April 23, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He continues talking about the development of PCC’s campuses and the value of the classes that PCC offers. He speaks about the business model of higher education, the formation of the community college district, and the teachers union. He talks about members of the PCC board during his presidency, teachers they hired, and his management style. He discusses PCC’s curriculum and how it compared to a traditional four-year college and talks about the accreditation process.

Tape 3, Side 2. In the third interview session, conducted on April 23, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He continues talking about the development of PCC’s campuses and the value of the classes that PCC offers. He speaks about the business model of higher education, the formation of the community college district, and the teachers union. He talks about members of the PCC board during his presidency, teachers they hired, and his management style. He discusses PCC’s curriculum and how it compared to a traditional four-year college and talks about the accreditation process.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on May 24, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He talks about meeting the academic and personal needs of the students during the 1960s and 1970s. He describes the student services that PCC provided; talks about the value of vocational education programs; and shares his opinion on college athletic programs. He discusses the job placement programs at PCC, the role of the Oregon and federal departments of education, and the Oregon Community College Association. He also talks about the role of the Oregon Legislature in the development of PCC. He describes the mission of Portland Community College.

Tape 4, Side 2. In the fourth interview session, conducted on May 24, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He talks about meeting the academic and personal needs of the students during the 1960s and 1970s. He describes the student services that PCC provided; talks about the value of vocational education programs; and shares his opinion on college athletic programs. He discusses the job placement programs at PCC, the role of the Oregon and federal departments of education, and the Oregon Community College Association. He also talks about the role of the Oregon Legislature in the development of PCC. He describes the mission of Portland Community College.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 10, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He continues describing the mission of Portland Community College and revisits the topics of PCC’s hiring practices and his major accomplishments during his presidency. He also discusses his failures and conflicts. He talks about his relationships with presidents at other community colleges in Oregon, budgeting concerns for a college, and PCC’s relationship with Oregon 4-year colleges. He then speaks about his retirement activities and reflects on the challenges of leading a college. He also shares his philosophy on life.

Tape 5, Side 2. In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 10, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He continues describing the mission of Portland Community College and revisits the topics of PCC’s hiring practices and his major accomplishments during his presidency. He also discusses his failures and conflicts. He talks about his relationships with presidents at other community colleges in Oregon, budgeting concerns for a college, and PCC’s relationship with Oregon 4-year colleges. He then speaks about his retirement activities and reflects on the challenges of leading a college. He also shares his philosophy on life.

Tape 6, Side 1. In the sixth and final interview session, conducted on November 5, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He speaks at length about the early development of PCC. He discusses how PCC differs from a traditional junior college, talks about the growth of the college, and describes the development of the student transfer program. He talks about hiring and firing teachers, his role as president of the college, and the decision-making process. He reflects on some of the decisions he was responsible for as president. He revisits the topic of his leadership philosophy and discusses the organizational structure of PCC.

Tape 6, Side 2. In the sixth and final interview session, conducted on November 5, 1993, DeBernardis continues discussing his service as Portland Community College’s first president. He speaks at length about the early development of PCC. He discusses how PCC differs from a traditional junior college, talks about the growth of the college, and describes the development of the student transfer program. He talks about hiring and firing teachers, his role as president of the college, and the decision-making process. He reflects on some of the decisions he was responsible for as president. He revisits the topic of his leadership philosophy and discusses the organizational structure of PCC.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first session, recorded on October 12, 1992, Van Beber introduces her memoir by sharing her reasons for recording her life story. She shares anecdotes about her early life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, including getting her smallpox vaccine at age 5. She then shares anecdotes about her early life in El Paso, Texas, including the transition from horses to cars at the fire department, witnessing racism, and meeting President William Howard Taft. She also talks about working in her father’s candy store.