John Haberstroh oral history interview, 2024 September 16

Oral history interview with John Haberstroh conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on September 16, 2024 for the UNLV Remembers: an Oral History of the 6 December 2023 Shootings project. In this interview, Assistant Professor-in-Residence John Haberstroh recalls the events of December 6. He started the day reviewing with his World History students in Wright Hall for the final exam scheduled the following week. One student stood up and walked out and shortly after, everyone's phones began to buzz with alerts. He told his students to stay put and looked outside the room, and saw police cars. His “Run Hide Fight" training kicked in, and he told his students to grab their belongings and led students out of the room. As they left, they heard gunshots and ran towards Lied Library and the Engineering Building. They encountered police running in the opposite direction, police cars, and an armored truck. He recalls texting his family, and then heading to a nearby hotel to wait for their family. He talks about an email from a student’s parent thanking him for his leadership, and talks about checking in with students after about their grades and the end of the course. He held Zoom sessions during finals week to give his four classes closure and to say goodbye. He states that this experience that him he is a good leader under pressure, to be mindful of relationships, accept death, and enjoy life. He is now teaching in Beam Hall to help “reclaim the space.” Digital audio and transcript available.