Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Pat and Hal Suter South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Pat Suter and her son Hal Suter interviewed by Jen Brown. Pat Suter discusses her work locally as an environmentalist, her role in local conservation organizations, and teaching chemistry at Del Mar College. They both discuss local and state politics; their experiences in Hurricane Celia; family camping trips; the creation of Padre Island National Seashore; the protection of Oso Bay; and OPUS, Organization for the Preservation of an Unblemished Shoreline.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Carole Allen South Texas Stories

Carole Allen grew up in Illinois and developed a fascination with turtles at a young age. She collected turtle items and married a geologist, moving to Houston. In the early 1980s, she became involved with sea turtle conservation after learning about the National Marine Fisheries Service's hatchling program in Galveston. She joined the HEART (Hatchling Emergency Assurance and Release Team) project, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for sea turtle conservation.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Nick Jimenez South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Nick Jimenez interviewed by David Blanke. Mr. Jimenez shared an overview of his early life in San Antonio, Texas; his professional education and development in college and as a young reporter; brief comments about his time serving in the Army in Vietnam; his arrival in Corpus Christi in the 1970s; and key issues surrounding its social and economic development such as Cisneros v. Corpus Christi Independent School District, Dr. Hector P. García, Selena, the Port of Corpus Christi, and environmentalism.

David Blanke Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Elena Crawford South Texas Stories

This is an oral history interview of Elena Crawford interviewed by Justin Bucholtz. Elena discusses her experience with Hurricane Harvey in 2017; the harrowing return to her home after evacuation; the struggle of recovery after disaster; and the recovery of the town and people of Port Aransas, Texas.

Justin Bucholtz Port Aransas, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Joel Garcia South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Mr. Joel Garcia, a pastor in Refugio, Texas, interviewed by Richard Quiroz. Mr. Garcia talks about his role as a pastor at Joy Ministries; his experiences with hurricanes; his role in providing shelter and resources to the community after Hurricane Harvey; and his reflection on these events.

Richard Andrew Quiroz Refugio, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Martin Sanchez South Texas Stories

This is an oral history recording of Martin Sanchez interviewed by Rene Ruiz. Martin Sanchez talks about his personal experiences of being in Hurricane Celia in 1970, when he had just turned ten years old.

Rene Ruiz Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Larry McKinney The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Larry McKinney is a seasoned scientist and environmentalist with a rich background in resource protection and environmental management. Born and raised in West Texas, McKinney comes from a family of original settlers who were primarily ranchers and farmers. His early life was spent in the small town of Coahoma, near Midland, Odessa, where his family had been on their home place for over one hundred and twenty-five years. McKinney's upbringing on a farm, where his family primarily grew cotton, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Jen Brown , Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Anthony "Tony" F. Amos The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Tony Amos is a renowned oceanographer, naturalist, and conservationist. Born in London, England, he moved to Bermuda at the age of seventeen where he began his career in the electronics industry. His work in Bermuda led him to a position at Columbia University in New York, where he was given the opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean. He chose the latter, sparking his lifelong passion for oceanography. Amos later moved to Texas in 1976, where he worked at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

Jen Brown Port Aransas, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Pamela T. Plotkin The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Pamela T. Plotkin is a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist with a focus on marine life, particularly sea turtles. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Plotkin's early fascination with wildlife was nurtured through television shows like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Tarzan, which offered her a glimpse into the natural world she yearned to explore. In her teenage years, her family moved to New Jersey, providing her with closer access to natural environments. This exposure further fueled her interest in wildlife and conservation.

Jen Brown Corpus Christi, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Andrew Sansom The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Dr. Andrew Sansom is a renowned figure in the field of water and environmental conservation. He grew up in Lake Jackson, Texas, near the mouth of the Brazos River, where he spent a significant part of his childhood exploring the outdoors. This early exposure to nature sparked his interest in parks and recreation, leading him to pursue a degree in Park Administration from Texas Tech. During the Vietnam War, Sansom was offered an internship with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in Washington, which allowed him to avoid the draft.

Jen Brown San Marcos, TX Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi