Interview with Eugene Hiigel, April 27, 2023

Interview Summary

Eugene Hiigel Dominican Republic, 1963-1965, Community Development. Gene was raised in the small town of Lamar, Colorado. He applied for the Peace Corps and was accepted while a sophomore studying economics at the University of Colorado, Boulder. At 19 he was invited to the Dominican Republic for a community development project. His Pre-Service Training included a month for an outward-bound program at Camp Crozier in Puerto Rico followed by two months at the East Los Angeles State College for more language and some cultural orientation. He was first placed East in Higüey where he formed a Boy Scout troop and taught English. Unhappy without a seeming purpose to direct him, he learned of a need for a school in Piedra Azul working with the local teacher. Caritas, an international development NGO, supported the project with the caveat that the community raise 100 pesos. Gene asked for donations and set up a fundraiser showing movies. A revolution erupted in 1965, but Gene was able to complete his service. Gene also talked about his challenges, memorable moments, and perspective on social change.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic Lamar, Colorado family University of Colorado, Boulder economics JFK announcement application Idlewild airport staging, NYC coup Juan Bosch Pre-Service Training Camp Crozier Puerto Rico outward bound East Los Angles State College JFK assassination deselection Hotel Jaragua Higüey Hato Mayor Hotel Democracio pension hotel house Boy Scouts TEFL Basilica de la Altagracia sisiando language Jesus teenager unhappy Piedra Azul second site Maimon Yamasá Osama river Caritas school subsistence farmers latrine project Monfle local “doctor” vacations girlfriend revolution miserable times isolation change process cultural influences coming home sickness community college law school

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 only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.