Interview with Gary Botzek (1950- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 30, 1982, Gary Botzek spoke about his Polish and German ancestors, who came to Benton County to farm. He also discussed the consolidation process that his local school in Sauk Rapids underwent, forcing him to finish high school in Foley. He also talked about choosing St. Cloud State University. admitting that he was not prepared to make a leap to a city, since he grew up in such a small rural area. Botzek chronicled his time at St. Cloud State University. He spoke about the process of how he chose a major and career path, as well as influential professors and student government. Botzek also discussed the explosive reaction of St. Cloud State students to the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and Laos, as well as the Kent State riots. Botzek discussed his feelings on the situation as someone involved in student government, and how it was handled by the university. He explained the relationship between the St. Cloud community and the university, claiming that they are both parts of the same structure, and thus worked well together. Botzek graduated in 1972, majoring in Political Science. Botzek discussed his post-collegiate career, especially his internship with Minnesota congressman John Zach, The internship opened several doors for him and allowed him to work in government for ten straight years, including his 1979 appointment as special assistant to Minnesota governor Al Quie. Botzek gave much credit to his St. Cloud State academic and extracurricular activities for providing him with the necessary tools to forge such a successful career.
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| Format: | Sound Recording Nonmusical |
| Language: | English |
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St. Cloud State University
1982
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| Online Access: | https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6822 |