Interview with Joseph M. May, November 10, 1976

Interview Summary

Joseph May attended the preparatory school at the University of Kentucky for three years prior to enrolling in the university in 1912. In this interview he discusses his impressions of the prep school, university, and the heads of both institutions. He talks about choosing engineering as his major, and discusses some of his favorite professors in the department.

May talks about social events and organizations he participated in on campus. He talks about the university's reputation for being rowdy, and discusses several incidents that occurred during his time there, including risque dances, freshman hazing, and activities that were banned after being deemed too rough. He talks about a tragedy that occurred when a student was killed during a celebration after one such activity. He talks about the role of athletics on campus, and discusses a fire that was set, possibly to destroy the class records of several football players that had been on academic probation.

May talks about the role of women on campus, as faculty and students. He talks about Margaret Ingels, the first woman to receive a degree in engineering from the University of Kentucky. He talks about university president Henry Barker and the policies he implemented.

Interview LC Subject

May, Joseph M. May, Joseph M.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.