The Columbia Oral History Alumni Association (COHAA) was formed in the summer of 2014 to develop projects and programming for the graduates of Columbia University's Oral History Master of Arts program. The goals of the COHAA are to facilitate connection and collaboration; create lasting bonds of friendship and colleagueship; support the independent work of affiliates; encourage and promote career development; contribute to and enrich our practical and theoretical expertise; and advance both the populism and professionalization of the field of oral history.

Please email the board of COHAA at ohma.alumni@gmail.com or visit the COHAA page for updates on events or conversations on oral history topics. You can also read about alumni theses and browse them on Columbia's Academic Commons, or check out alumni profiles on the OHMA blog.

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2016-2018 Columbia Oral History Alumni Association Board

Sarah Dziedzic (2009), President
Senait Tesfai (2011), Vice President
Cameron Vanderscoff (2013), Alumni-Student Liaison
Lisa Polay (2010), Treasurer
Steven Puente (2014), East Coast Representative
Ellen Brooks (2012), Central Representative
Sewon Chung (2012), Events Manager-West Coast
Mario Alvarez (2015), New Alumni Representative
Allison Tracy (2008), At-Large Member
Helen Gibb (2014), At-Large Member

2014-2016 Columbia Oral History Alumni Association Board

Erica Fugger (2012), President
Allison Corbett (2013), Vice President
Sarah Dziedzic (2009), Outreach Coordinator
Cameron Vanderscoff (2013), Alumni-Student Liaison
Becky Cross (2010), Treasurer
Andi Dixon (2009) & Steven Puente (2014), Events Manager-East Coast
Ellen Brooks (2012), Events Manager-Midwest
Kristen La Follette (2011), Events Manager-West Coast
Kate Brenner (2014), New Alumni Representative
Cindy Choung (2009), At-Large Member
Sewon Barrera (2012), At-Large Member

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Columbia Oral History Alumni Association Committees

The Alumni Feedback Committee is a vehicle for alumni to be a partner in the ongoing growth of OHMA and our community. We seek engagement from alums who wish to generate constructive dialogue about the program and its impact on their lives, careers, and outlook, and participate in the conversation about the nature and future of the program. Acting Chair, Cameron Vanderscoff (2013): cvanderscoff@gmail.com.

The Publication Committee runs and operates In Context Journal, an independent platform for oral historical work and thoughtful explorations of what it means to listen, to speak, and to be heard. The Committee seeks members able to provide support in editing, online publishing, and outreach. Co-Chairs Cindy Choung (2009) and Sewon Barrera (2012): incontextjournal@gmail.com.

The Professional Advocacy Committee aims to develop guidelines, protocols, and standards for the variety of contract, project-based work oral history practitioners engage in on an independent basis. The committee will work with both alum and practitioners throughout the country in the the development and maintenance of this information. We seek alums who work as independent practitioners themselves or who are willing to connect with other independent practitioners. Chair, Allison Tracy: allisonkaren@gmail.com.

The Oral History Exchange organizes projects such as skillshares, listening parties, book clubs, bibliography development, interdepartmental exchanges, and/or other pertinent initiatives. Contact: ohma.alumni@gmail.com.

The Short Course Committee aims to position alumni as a resource in the field of oral history instruction by developing alumni-led webinars marketed to graduate students in other programs, practitioners in neighboring fields, and the general public. The Short Course Committee seeks alumni members interested in curriculum development, and developing marketing strategies suited to increasing webinar registration. Co-Chairs Sarah Dziedzic (2009) and Kristen La Follette (2011): sarahdziedzic@gmail.com & klaf925@gmail.com.

The Student Support Committee connects current students with alumni and administers the Mentoring Program. The Committee also offers support on thesis/capstone drafting, academic planning, institutional resources, professional development, and collaborative projects. Co-Chairs Cameron Vanderscoff (2013) and Mario Alvarez (2015): cvanderscoff@gmail.com & maa2204@columbia.edu.