DOI: 10.25549/cswa-c34-459
title: Frances Feldman interview, 2005

description: Feldman, Frances Lomas - Audio Oral History Interview - CSWA ❧ An interview with Professor Emerita Frances Lomas Feldman, as she discusses her lengthy career at USC, the California Social Welfare Archives (CSWA) and the Hall of Distinction, the evolution of USC and the School of Social Work, as well as areas in the field that needed special attention. Interviewer: Phyllis K. Massing, PhD. Date: 3/05/05. ❧ CONTENTS: (01:00)- Intro. (01:50)- George Nickel CSWA's beginnings (1979). (03:30)- Role since CSWA's inception. (05:08)- Current involvement with CSWA. (05:56)- 1st CSWA history interview and techniques learned applicable today. (06:46)- Focus of work related to USC and School of Social Work since the Emeriti Center Oral History Series interview (3/15/95). (08:51)- Successful committees/projects since the Emeriti interview (CSWA, Hall of Distinction). (13:20)- Human Services in the City of Los Angeles. (14:50)- Obstacles encountered in research and publications. (15:49)- Any unsuccessful projects? (USC retirees). (24:20)- USC retirement questionnaire, sample questions and involvement in data analysis. (31:00)- Committee involvement pros and cons. (35:18)- USC President's Advisory Council Community involvement and Robert Biller. (39:10)- Role of USC in the community. (40:15)- Integration of work and family into career in social work. (44:50)- Success of predictions made during the Emeriti interview regarding USC (scholarships, research, ethnic diversity, and international ties). (46:03)- Increase in availability of scholarships for USC students. (48:27)- Ethnic mix representative of local and international communities. (56:58)- International ties of USC and the School of Social Work. (59:57)- Increase stature as a research university and School of Social Work research contributions. (1:00:55)- Ongoing development of library system to support students and faculty in research. (1:02:11)- Changes in the past 12 years that have affected the field, USC, and yourself (poverty, social security, gangs). (1:06:10)- Issues with the public welfare system. (1:07:20)- Description of the Hall of Distinction: History and Future. (1:13:35)- Future of the California Social Welfare Archives (CSWA). (1:14:22)- Beginnings in the field as the most gratifying experiences in social work. (1:16:47)- Past experiences and family influence in becoming a social worker. (1:21:35)- Personal values and beliefs. (1:22:30)- Closing remarks. ❧ Frances Lomas Feldman (1912-2008). Professor, USC School of Social Work. Social worker. Frances Lomas Feldman Video Oral History Interview. Interviewed by Phyllis Massing. Date of interview: 3-5-05. Length of interview: 1 hour and 24 minutes. DVD containing interview. ❧ ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: 1. Curriculum Vitae. 2. 1 diskette of transcript of interview. 3. Photocopies of newspaper articles re research of Frances Feldman. 4. Carol Tucker, "Mending and Tending the Safety Net," University of Southern California Chronicle vol. 15, no. 20 (12 February 1996), 1, 6-7. 5. 1 photograph of Frances Lomas Feldman. 6. Program of "Tenth Annual Academic Honors Convocations, University of Southern California," 12 March 1991. 7. 1 8x 10 in. photograph of staff at Belvedere, including Frances Lomas Feldman. 8. Statement by Frances Lomas Feldman before Hearing on Welfare, California State Legislature.