How long have you been enrolled in the SMC Emeritus program?
3 years
What was your occupation prior to retirement?
Professor at California State University, Northridge
What was your highest level of education?
Earned College Bachelor Degree or higher
What are the top three reasons why you value the SMC Emeritus Program?
- Physical Interaction with others
- Mental stimulation
- Socialization
Pearls of Wisdom: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Always allow yourself to learn something new and be open to new ideas and experiences.
How would your advice to your 50-year-old self differ?
Stay active (mentally and physically) and stay in contact with friends and relatives.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in life?
A 52 year marriage, educating our four children (all are college graduates of the UC system) and a very close relationship with our six grandchildren (16 to 2 years old). Additionally, I received a BS degree from North Carolina A&T State University, received a MSW from the University of Southern California and a PhD from the University of California Los Angeles. All of my degrees are in the field of Social Work. I was a professor of Sociology and Social Work at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) for twenty five years. Prior to accepting my position at CSUN, I worked in a variety of positions for Los Angeles County (18 years). I worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker on the Psychiatric Emergency Team and as a Patient Rights Advocate for the mentally ill with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. I also worked as an Evaluator for the Drug Abuse Program Office and the AIDS Program Office where I was Unit Head responsible for Training, Partner Notification, and Behavior Change sections with Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Additionally, I facilitated several groups with individuals who were HIV positive or had full-blown AIDS. Also, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer (1969 to 1972) in Kenya and as Associate Peace Director in Kenya (1958 to 1987). I have had the opportunity to serve on several boards, committees and commissions in the Los Angeles and the State of California, such as: Disability Rights California Legislative Committee - State of California; Mediator – LA County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs; State of California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission - Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee; State Bar of California Legal Service Trust Fund Commission; Los Angeles County Mental Health Commissioner; Los Angeles Police Department Professional Advisory Committee; Reserved LAPD Officer; and Los Angeles City Historic Overlay Zone).
The SMC Emeritus Program has helped me as a lifelong learner because I am allowed to engage in stimulating conversation and discussion about current events in the world today.
The best part about being an SMC Emeritus student the physically interaction with others and mental stimulation from my discussion with others in my age category.