Bob Manning

Robert (Bob) Manning discusses his experience as CIP's very first cohort, in 1969. In the interview Manning describes the unsaid truths that this newly created program faced. Manning begins his interview by explaining how he heard of CIP. He was a lab assistant to Dr. Martin Gibson, director of UOP's psychology department, and Gibson recommended CIP to Manning. As a Stocktonian, raised in the poverty-stricken south side, the thought of attending a university never crossed his mind. Once in the program, Manning noticed a separation between those in CIP and the rest of the student body. Since the CIP program couldn't cover housing expenses, Manning joined a social fraternity, Kappa Lambda, so that he'd live closer to campus. Manning reminisces his days as a college student and mentions several stories during his time as a Lambda member. However, the hostility and alienation he felt as a student taints those memories. Manning describes the discrimination him and fellow CIP classmates faced. "They thought we were stupid... that we had to be taught at an easier level", Manning recalls when we asked about the experience in the classroom.  Manning also recounts, "Fights would break out in my African Studies class over political debates". When asked what could've been changed to enhance his experience as a full ride scholarship student he said, "There wasn't a community amongst CIP and the other students. I think that  having a community bond would've helped us feel more welcomed when we came to Pacific". Manning acknowledges the opportunities that CIP offered to his academic career and personal life. However, his perspective allows us to view the rocky beginnings students endured, beginnings that were left unsaid.