Title

Michael J. Graham interview (session 3)

Authors

Michael James Graham

Interviewer

Anne Ryckbost

Interview Date

4-14-2021

Keywords

Society of Jesus, Jesuits, Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio), Michael James Graham, Universities and colleges, Mission and Identity, Catholic universities and colleges; Cintas Center; Administration, Cincinnati (Ohio) -- Race relations, Riots – Ohio – Cincinnati, Cincinnati CAN Commission, Brueggeman Center for Interfaith Dialogue, Vagina Monologues, September 11 Terrorists Attacks, 2001, Civic engagement, United Way

Interview Location

Cincinnati (Ohio)

Summary

Xavier University's thirty-fourth Jesuit president Rev. Michael J. Graham, SJ, was born March 9, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1975 he received a BA in psychology and philosophy from Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. In 1983 he received a MA in psychology and PhD in American Studies both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He entered the Society of Jesus while at the University of Michigan and was ordained in 1988. Prior to his appointment as president he held several academic and administrative positions at Xavier University. Father Graham retired in 2021.

In this interview, Graham discusses his first year as president of Xavier University. He describes the vision he had for Xavier and the listening sessions he held with campus community members. Graham talks about the death of Timothy Thomas, the ensuing civil unrest in Cincinnati, and Xavier’s response. He describes his involvement in the Cincinnati Community Action Now (CAN) Commission and its results. He discusses his academic convocation, which occurred on September 11, 2001. Graham also describes his involvement as a board member for several community organizations, including the United Way and the Holocaust and Humanity Center, and his relationships with other university presidents.

Language

English

Duration

00:56:49

Format

audio/mp3

Type

Sound

Item Identifier

xuaoh2021_001_xu011_03_graham_access

Collection

Xavier University Oral History Collection

Repository

University Archives and Special Collections, Xavier University Library, Cincinnati, Ohio

Recommended Citation

Michael J. Graham interview, March 2, 2021, XUAOH2021-001-XU011-03, Xavier University Oral History Collection, University Archives and Special Collections, Xavier University Library, Cincinnati, Ohio

Rights

Copyright belongs to Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio). The interview may be used by individuals or libraries for personal use, research, teaching or any 'fair use' as defined by copyright law. Permission to reproduce materials in this collection for publication or distribution must be obtained from Xavier University Archives and Special Collections.