How long have you been enrolled in the SMC Emeritus program?
11 years
What was your occupation prior to retirement?
Public interest attorney.
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?
- Broadens my education
- Fabulous instructors
- Excellent co-students
Pearls of Wisdom: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Don't worry that you don't know what you will be doing after school ends. It will all turn out better than you could have expected.
How would your advice to your 50-year-old self differ?
Don't worry about retiring. While your jobs have been great, retirement will keep you as engaged as you have been while working.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in life?
My biggest professional accomplishment occurred exactly 50 years ago when I was 30 years old: I was a principal co-author of the Political Reform Act of 1974 (Proposition 9), passed by 70% of California voters, an initiative measure called by the 2015 book Game Changers one of the 12 most important election results in California history. I have had a great career since, but nothing tops that.
The SMC Emeritus Program has helped me as a lifelong learner because I can take classes without the burden of worrying about tests or grades or the right classes to take in order to get into the best possible graduate school.
The best part about being an SMC Emeritus student is taking classes not taken in college from instructors who are excellent.