NEWS FROM THE SRA
o Colleagues for Life VOLUME 34 N 1
Retiree Community Newsletter January 2015 The USC Living History Project is an March 19 luncheon honors USC’s Emeriti Center legacy for our university newest staff retirees The heart of a great university is found in the intellectual capital of its professors, the Thursday, March 19, the SRA’s administrators who have shaped it, and the staff who make it run smoothly over the 30th Annual Staff Retirement years in order to enhance the experiences of its students. Recognition Luncheon in Town & Since the 1980s, the USC Emeriti Center – through the original H. Dale Gown will honor staff retirees of Hilton Living History Project – has videotaped key campus contributors to help preserve the university’s history. These recorded interviews are eclectic remembrances 2014. Invitations to this luncheon of major campus activities: the evolving academic environment, administrative will be mailed in early February restructuring, and research/teaching accomplishments. to all active SRA members. All “The USC Living History Project is one of the most important legacies that honored retirees may invite two guests. the Emeriti Center offers USC,” said Executive DirectorJanette C. Brown. Be sure to respond by the deadline “Through the generosity of retiree Louise Ball, we have established a Living History indicated on the invitation in order endowment that generates enough funds for two to three interviews per year.” to be recognized by USC’s Staff Presently, ACE/Sloan grant funds support the Emeriti Center’s efforts to capture Retirement Association. as many USC living histories as possible during the current academic year. The If you are a 2014 staff retiree ACE/Sloan grant recently funded the recording of Professors Nancy Warner and and do not receive an invitation, Charlotte Furth with interviewer Esther H. Gillies discussing the experiences please contact the Emeriti Center ■ of women faculty from the 1960s through today. It also funded 15 short videos of at (213) 740-8921. retired faculty who attended the Retired Faculty Association’s 65th Anniversary Celebration last October. In 2007, through the generosity of USC University Relations and USC Public Relations, more than 40 earlier videotaped interviews were digitized and preserved The J. Tillman Hall Staff Award for for future generations. To date, the Emeriti Center has been responsible for creating Service to USC will be presented at more than 60 archival quality recordings in cooperation with the USC Archives. the luncheon (see page 11). Most of the recorded interviews are posted on USC YouTube for viewing on the Internet. To view the list of completed interviews, including a past president and deans, professors, and staff members from coaches to a INSIDE: beloved parking guard, go to: bit.ly/USCLivingHistory. From the Executive Director 2 The Living History Project’s BIller Award honors Tool 2 potential interview list has more Emeriti College, Travel Opp 3 than 100 names of individuals From the RFA 4 with important perspectives From the SRA 5 on USC’s growth and Senior Cyber Tips; News 6 transformation over the past four Successful Aging 7 A recent taping for the Living History Project featured decades. “Additional suggestions Hadley award to Astrahan 7 (from left) Charlotte Furth, Professor Emerita of History, of names are encouraged,” Brown Meet new Navigators 8 USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Life’s little instructions 9 and Nancy E. Warner, Hastings Professor Emerita, added. “And contributions Cyber security summit 10 Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of to the USC Living History USC. They were interviewed by moderator Esther H. Project’s endowment are always Volunteers contribute 11 ■ Gillies, Clinical Associate Professor, retired, President, welcome.” Events 12 California Social Welfare Archives.
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 1 NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The USC home department for retirees also serves the entire Trojan Family
The USC Emeriti Center supports locations for educational and social events; listening USC faculty and staff retirees and pre- provide New Life Chapter workshops and installations; retirees in living healthy and purposeful research; develop resources for safe and explore lives by providing opportunities for independent living; and explore senior transportation continued teaching, service, research and living options for USC retirees. options; and Janette C. Brown learning. We support multidisciplinary, • Home Department Services: manage the work multigenerational, and multicultural We provide email support; issue Gold of the Retired Faculty and Staff Benefits programs and activities for the entire Cards; maintain accurate contact and Resource Committee. Trojan Family and greater community. information; partner with retirement • Legacy: We facilitate recording As the home department for all USC navigators assisting faculty and staff of USC Living History interviews; and retired faculty and staff, we provide transitions; provide USC schools with support legacy initiatives in publications, resources and support innovative resources and information; support creative works, and research. programs of benefit to the entire Trojan Retired Faculty Association and Staff •Intergenerational mentoring: Family. Our retiree leaders also guide Retirement Association programs and We mentor local and international us with recommendations from campus events; and help USC retirees find students through Caldwell Scholarships colleagues with expertise in a variety of resources. and “Trojan Global Intergenerational disciplines. We have the best experts and • Education/Research/Service: Friends” (TGIF); mentor interns and information available right within our We provide research stipends and student workers; and support those own building at the USC Davis School of special awards for service; partner with transitioning to retirement. Gerontology. USC schools for research and service How can we help you? Please call or It is an honor and pleasure to work opportunities; explore new courses; email. We would like to hear from you. ■ with all of our retired faculty and staff support regional cultural events; and offer Janette C. Brown colleagues. Here are only some of the service opportunities through Trojans – things we are doing now: Helping Trojans. Executive Director Healthy Living: Advocacy: • We offer wellness • We advocate for [email protected]; (213) 740-7121 events and resources; offer new regional assistive listening devices and campus
Douglas C. Basil Awards Inaugural Biller Award honors David Tool support retired faculty The inaugural Robert P. Biller Award, named for the late Two $5,000 awards are available distinguished USC administrator, was presented to retiree for retired USC faculty to support a David Tool in December. project or research. To apply, submit: The award, established jointly by the Retired Faculty an application; bio or CV; and a Association and the Staff Retirement Association, carries short project description. For more Janette Brown with it a $500 prize and will only be awarded when a USC information call at retiree demonstrates extraordinary service that benefits David Tool with (213) 740-7121 or go to the university retiree community, USC students and the Yvonne Biller, widow https://bit.ly/basilaward. of Robert P. Biller. surrounding neighborhood. New deadline: Feb. 20, 2015 Tool fulfills all these requirements. Since returning from 17 years in China a few Douglas C. Basil : “I years ago, the former USC lecturer and staff member has been active in his North have great admiration University Park neighborhood with the USC Community Emergency Response for my fellow Emeriti Team (CERT Training), has planned and implemented mentoring programs for and wish to provide international students through USC’s Trojan Global Intergenerational Friends some assistance to program, and has helped veterans transition to campus life. sponsor their research Generous with his time and talents, Tool and his wife, Sharon, have hosted ■ and contributions.” numerous events in their home, including potluck dinners that have created a sense of community and safety for residents in their area. ■
2 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 NEWS FROM THE EMERITI COLLEGE An exploration of Washington, D.C., with Emeriti Colleagues
A unique tour of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Broadcasting and a lobby group are proposed. educational travel performing arts, and a concert of Gershwin The capstone will be a commemorative adventure, led by music will follow. performance at Ford’s Theatre on the Professor Emeritus Monday will start with guest Sesquicentennial of President Lincoln’s David Marsh presentations followed by visits to view assassination. This educational adventure and Marlene America’s founding documents in The is offered tuition-free. All travel, hotel and Jerry Walker Wagner, Associate National Archives and the Newseum to see food expenses are the responsibility of Dean for External how the media makes history come alive. participants. An administrative fee of $150 Relations (ret.) in the USC School of Social The Lincoln Memorial will evoke powerful per person is being charged to cover the Work, is being offered by the USC Emeriti memories of the Civil War and the 1963 cost of the bus tour of the eastern shore of College for the benefit of retired faculty, Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. Maryland and tickets for the Ford’s Theatre. staff, alumni and friends on April 25-30. The emeriti explorers will visit the For more information, contact David On Saturday, April 25, emeriti travelers Harriet Tubman Center in Cambridge, Marsh at [email protected]. Bon voyage! ■ will fly to Washington, D.C., where they Maryland, on Tuesday to learn more about Jerry Walker, will be welcomed by Marsh and Wagner at the “Moses” of the Underground Railroad. – Director the conference hotel. Travelers will stay at Harriet Tubman, an escaped slave, had the Emeriti College the George Washington University Inn. courage to return twice a year to free her (213) 740-1289; [email protected] On Sunday, Marsh will give an family and many other slaves. Judith C. Diaz, overview of our nation's history that is Wednesday morning will begin – Assistant Director associate with Highway 50 and introduce with faculty leaders meetings at the Emeriti College a guest speaker. A tour of the Smithsonian USC Washington D.C. office and guest (213) 740-8841; [email protected] Museum of American History, a docent-led presenters. Visits to the Corporation for Public [email protected]
Retired faculty saluted from 13 Schools, the College, and Libraries
The annual Provost’s Faculty Retirement Recognition Luncheon, members, and hopefully many will take on an active role,” held in November 2014 at Town & Gown, honored senior said Stallings. faculty who retired the Elizabeth Garrett, previous academic year Provost and Senior Vice (Sept. 1, 2013 to Aug. 31, President for Academic 2014). Affairs, spoke for the last time Sponsored by the Office to USC’s new faculty retirees, of the Provost and hosted by as she will move on to serve the USC Retired Faculty as Cornell University’s new Association and USC President. “We’re gathered Emeriti Center, this event today so we can concretely show honors recent retirees and our gratitude for your service,” welcomes them to said Garrett. She encouraged membership in the Retired the retirees to take advantage of Photo credit Maricela Hinojosa Photo credit Faculty Association, and to 2013-2014 faculty retirees: Bottom row, from left, Carmen Silva- numerous resources available to their new “home Corvalan, Hari Rorlich, Felix Gutierrez, Philip Muntz, Provost Elizabeth them, such as the Trojan Encore department,” the USC Garrett, Jean LeCerf Richardson, Philip More, Ed Cray, and Emeriti program and the Emeriti Center Executive Director Janette Brown. Second row, from left: Carol Emeriti Center. Hofmann, Hal Slavkin, William Steier, Michael Safonov, Peter Gordon, College’s enrichment courses RFA President Bob and travel opportunities (see Stallings RFA President Bob Stallings, George Lacy, and Lawrence Ross. Top Row, welcomed and John Casagrande. page 3). congratulated his newly Janette Brown, Executive retired colleagues and invited them to stay engaged as they Director of the USC Emeriti Center, announced the recipient of enter this new phase of their professional lives. the annual Paul E. Hadley Faculty Award for Service to USC, “These 58 new retirees now join our 1,300 RFA Professor Emeritus Melvin Astrahan (see page 7). ■
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 3 NEWS FROM THE RFA A celebration, reunions, and gatherings, made for a busy season Fall Semester 2014 was filled with events In November, the Provost’s Faculty specially prepared for retired faculty. The RFA (formed in 1949 Retirement Recognition Luncheon was for the occasion as The Sixty-Five Club) celebrated its 65th held in Town & Gown with Provost by Parmer Fuller Anniversary with a series of regional reunions Elizabeth Garrett as keynote speaker. and his talented in September and an anniversary gala in late The 58 faculty who retired during academic students from the October. Regional reunions were held in year 2013–2014 averaged nearly 30 years USC Thornton Pasadena at the USC Pacific Asia Museum, of service to the university with 13 serving School of Music. Robert Stallings in Brentwood at the home of Marjorie and 40 or more years. Keep your eyes Arnold Platzker, and in Palos Verdes Estates The year’s festivities concluded in open for upcoming events for the USC at the home of Hazel and James Lord. December, also in Town & Gown, with retiree community in 2015. I look forward The capstone gala celebration took place in the Annual Holiday Breakfast, organized to seeing you at several of them. ■ the ballroom of the Ronald Tutor Campus by the Staff Retirement Association (SRA) – Robert Stallings, RFA President Center (UPC). All four events were priceless and co-sponsored by the SRA, the RFA, [email protected]; (626) 319-2536 opportunities to reconnect with former and the Emeriti Center. Almost 200 rfa.usc.edu colleagues and to become acquainted retirees attended and once again enjoyed with new friends. good food, great conversation, and music
RFA on-campus 65th Anniversary Gala Retired faculty are invited to was a resounding success follow the academic flags
These smiling students from the 18-degree-granting schools are waiting to lead President C.L. Max Greeted by classical guitar music, were augmented by remarks from Vice Nikias Martin Levine , the deans and the trustees nearly 100 RFA members and guests Provost about the value into Alumni Park for the September arrived in the Ronald Tutor Campus of retired faculty to the university. While 2014 Freshman Convocation. A Center ballroom on Friday, Oct. 24. sampling festive food and drink, similarly delightful group of students Decorated with pom poms and fall attendees admired the L.A. City and will be awaiting the opportunity to flowers in USC colors, tables provided County resolutions extolling RFA lead you, other retired faculty, the seating for all to enjoy the contributions to our communities, active faculty, and the President’s company of old friends and while several participated in video platform party into Alumni Park for Commencement on Friday, May to meet new colleagues. The interviews about their retirement. 15, 2015 program introduced by RFA At afternoon’s end, all agreed . President Bob Stallings the event was a great success. “Mark your calendars now and come join me and the faculty included two videos, one Kudos to Phoebe Liebig, Bob Scales Bob Stallings Victor marshals for breakfast at Doheny on RFA history and the , , Library before marching at the development of both Marshand Webb, Janette Brown front of the faculty column!” said campuses since 1949 and and her Emeriti Center Jerry Walker, Associate Provost the other featuring recent staff, and the USC Helenes (ret.) “Retired faculty should join Caldwell Scholar recipients for making this a wonderful the faculty marshals at the ‘Literatea’ The RFA writes its history ■ of RFA financial support at 65. celebration! courtyard on the East side (rear) of ■ and guidance. These visuals Doheny Library.”
4 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 NEWS FROM THE SRA We’re at work on a survey, an improved website, and more During fall semester your SRA board Internet-accessed survey will help the SRA better understand retirees’ has been busy with matters including activities and involvements with USC and lead to an even more effective operational decisions, events, developing and responsive SRA. So be sure to complete the 15 minute survey! materials, improving our website, and a A very useful publication is currently being developed to assist survey. Here’s a little bit about each. retirees who live alone. It will contain helpful hints and contact Effective with the upcoming information about available services. The content is based on the Dixon Johnson March 2015 luncheon honoring 2014 suggestions and experiences of a group of 27 USC retirees from the staff retirees, the board has voted to give the “Trojans Helping Trojans” group led by Carole Gustin. honorees a one-year free membership in the Staff Retirement Our programs and events are possible through the dedicated Association. Thus they will not have to pay the $20 membership fee efforts of our program and hospitality committees ably led by Leslie for their first year of membership. Pittman and Donna Simmons. The terrific Annual Holiday Our September 2014 membership meeting featured George Breakfast in December, which brought together both retired faculty Salem, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, and SRA members, was successful because of their dedicated reporting on the physiological benefits of yoga. His informative efforts and the excellent work of their predecessors, Jeanne and and entertaining PowerPoint presentation, (which featured an Bob Church (Programs) and Carolyn Watanabe (Hospitality) appearance by Elvis!), was well received by the more than 75 SRA as well as volunteers from the Retired Faculty Association, Emeriti members in attendance. Center, and Diana Seyb. The SRA website originally developed by Len Wines, The SRA works to represent the interests of USC retired staff is in the process of being updated and will provide access to all to the University and to offer programs and activities for our retirees Board minutes, By-laws, listing of members and their contact and spouse/partner members. We are always looking for creative information, a current activity calendar and other useful people who want to help with the planning and hosting of our information. This updating could not have occurred without the activities, so please contact me, and we’ll get you more involved! ■ superb assistance of John Casagrande and the postings by the – Dixon Johnson, SRA President SRA Secretary, Linda Forman. Bob Scales [email protected]; (562) 985-3304 With the help of the Emeriti Center and , the sra.usc.edu Emeriti Center is now conducting a survey of all staff retirees. This
Look forward to L.A.’s Theatre District, A meeting of the minds Subway art, and a Spring musical
SRA Day Trip coordinator Dick Martin has planned three very different day trip events for the enjoyment of our Emeriti Center colleagues and friends: 1) Bill Givens is planning an outing for a viewing and presentations about the downtown Los Angeles Broadway Theatre District. Date TBA. 2) A Sunday tour of the art commissioned for the Red Line Subway Stations, with a docent from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), followed by a nostalgic lunch at Mel’s Drive-In, inspired by George Lucas’s film, “American Graffiti.” The restaurant is next door to the Hollywood Museum. Date TBA. 3) Our SRA Annual Spring Musical is “Grease,” on April 11. Join us for a 2:30 p.m. Saturday Matinee in the Bing Bob Scales, former Dean of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, Theatre, University Park Campus, brought to us by the USC Janette Brown, and Jim Birren met in Thousand Oaks last fall to School of Dramatic Arts. Martin has secured a block of 50 work on a “topics for discussion” exploration centered on themes good seats and the price remains just $8 per person. that people don’t normally discuss in everyday conversation, such An email blast and postcards will be sent out one month as love, wisdom, and death. Birren, who is the creator of the Birren Autobiographical Studies Program and former Dean of the USC before the events. For questions, contact Dick Martin at (323) Davis School of Gerontology also deliberated on what might be 343-1146 or [email protected]. ■ expected in the “New Life Stage” post retirement.
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 5 SENIOR CYBER TIPS In the News Brown contributes work-life policies Improve your digital Janette Brown photography skills USC Emeriti Center Executive Director contributed to a University of Baltimore publication, Shaping Work- If you are frustrated because your dSLR Life Culture in Higher Education with her narrative in “Reflections of Academic Leaders.” The book focuses on strategies that camera or even your point-and-shoot implement beneficial work-life policies in colleges and universities, camera has more capability than you have and Brown’s contribution detailed the Center’s commitment to been able to take advantage of, take heart. creating a work-life supportive community that, for instance, balances the needs of There are several websites that can help you staff who have care-giving challenges for aging parents and young children through improve your digital photography skills, flexible work schedules. The publication noted that Brown’s commitment to creating including wikihow.com and lifehacker. a work-life supportive community is part of her overall approach to leadership, as are com. One site that I find quite helpful the Center’s creation of quality resources for their retiree population. is digital-photography-school.com. It Also, the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of the SUNY Retirees Newsletter ran an offers free weekly e-mail subscriptions article by Brown (AROHE’s Executive Director) and Board Member John Bugge, containing helpful tips for photographers titled “2014 AROHE Conference Overview” which detailed their Seventh Annual of all skill levels. Among recent topics have Biennial Conference held in August. been: “Don’t Know What to Shoot? These Four Photographic Exercises Will Keep Alumni Spotlight shines on Manning You Motivated”; “Camera Basics 101: The Keck School of Medicine of USC’s news site featured the Class of Exposure Triangle”; “Better Landscape 1948’s Phil Manning in its “TALK Alumni Spotlight” (Keck’s Photography Tips”; “Guidelines for Alumni Link). Manning spent 50 years on Keck’s faculty and Capturing Spectacular Sunrise and the article noted that he now focuses his time and attention on the Sunset Images”; “How to Avoid Blurry 50 Year Fellows luncheon. He spoke at the luncheon last August, Photos by Choosing the Right Autofocus which was attended by about 110 former students and said he “enjoys Mode”; “How to Do Great Photography reminiscing with former students about the time they spent together at LAC+USC.” Even When Your Surroundings Are Boring”; “Three Ways to Affect Depth of Casagrande lends his expertise in India Field”; “No Telephoto Lens? No Problem”; John Casagrande spent a week in Pune, India, last November and “Three Tips on How to Approach visiting the Technical Offices of Exaat, LLC. Exaat is a company Photography as a Hobby.” ■ recently created by two of his former colleagues at HSC. Exaat’s Happy shooting! initial product is a clinical placement system for professional – Bob Stallings schools. He will evaluate the feasibility of using the MVC [email protected] framework that the Exaat team has created for use in updating Emeriti Center databases to a web-based platform. Widows and widowers – we need you IN MEMORIAM A few years ago a group of widows and We honor and mourn our university colleagues who have died. Those whowere widowers met for lunch to brainstorm about recorded by press time, and whose names were not noted in previous newsletters, are: what the EC might do to be helpful. One resource that came out of this meeting was Natalie Alexander (medicine/physiology); Gail V. Anderson (medicine); a booklet titled, “After the Death of a Loved Gerald Bakus (biological sciences); Frans T. Boerlage (music/vocal arts/ One,” that can be found on our website under opera); Robert M. Chew (biological sciences); Peter Daland (athletics/ Family Support. swim coach); Harriet Forster (physics/ astronomy); Darrell Judge (physics We invite all our widows and widowers and astronomy/ astronautical engineering); A. J. Langguth (journalism); to meet again for a lunch conversation Gerald A. Larue (religion); Richard “Dick” Perry (physical education/ on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the athletic director); Ellen Miyoko Miyasaki (financial and business services, University Club. To reserve a space, contact 2013); and Richard F. Thompson (biological sciences). Janette Brown at (213) 740-7121 or ■ (Note: Our September issue listed the last name of Frank Arnold Baker as [email protected]. Baer – we regret the error.)
6 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 Melvin Astrahan receives annual SUCCESSFUL AGING Paul E. Hadley Award for service to USC Language and aging It is with great pride that the USC as the nurses and visiting medical Emeriti Center celebrates Professor students, and he is enthusiastic Emeritus Melvin Astrahan’s service about teaching junior physicists. His “Words to Age By: A Brief Glossary on to USC after retirement with the Paul commitment to the success of the Tips and Usage,” by journalist Paul Kleyman E. Hadley Faculty Award for Service to ocular oncology program at USC reports on a survey of nearly 100 journalists USC. Professor Astrahan’s honor was includes volunteering his time to that describes language they used in covering announced at the Provost’s attend all of the plaque cases issues of aging. Here are a few of their Faculty Retirement Recognition in order to provide guidance principles. Luncheon on Nov. 12, 2014. and support to Jonathan Elderly. “Use this word carefully and Kim Following his retirement , Director of Ocular sparingly.” It should not be used in reference Jesse Berry from the Department of Oncology, and , to a person’s deteriorating condition such as Radiation Oncology as Chief of Assistant Director of Ocular “home for the elderly.” Medical Physics in 2010, Oncology at the USC Eye Seniors. Be as specific as possible and Astrahan continued to support Institute. Astrahan prepares reserve this term when no other description the ocular melanoma program Melvin Astrahan all radiation treatment plans by donating his time and for USC’s eye cancer patients works. Avoid patronizing terms such expertise to assure the success of his using the software that he created and as “feisty,” “feeble,” “spry,” “senile,” and colleagues in the Departments of continues to enhance. Even now, he “grandmotherly.” Ophthalmology and Radiation Oncology. is collaborating with Kim and Berry Activity/Relationships. Describing an During his 26 years at the USC to further enhance the accuracy of older adult as “active” implies the individual is Norris Cancer Center, Astrahan the treatment planning software by an exception and typically is sedentary. Avoid designed and developed software incorporating new toric angle marking mentioning irrelevant relationships. Example: and eye plaque techniques that devices. “Golda Meir, a doughty grandmother, told employ miniature radiation sources Beyond being one of the most the Egyptians…” to target cancer cells within the eye. knowledgeable radiation physicists in his Age. Don’t mention age unless it’s His method uses 3D modeling to field, Astrahan is also a keen horseman germane. A news story about an 84-year old optimize the delivery of therapeutic who has competed nationally in high- driver who hit two cars should cite facts that radiation to the tumor while sparing speed mounted marksmanship contests the surrounding healthy tissues since 1992. He has also appeared in his or her age was relevant to the accident. of the eye. His cancer treatment Pasadena’s Rose Parade as a knight in Example to avoid: “Representative Nancy method is currently used at the shining armor for his fraternal Pelosi, age 65, held her latest grandchild as USC Norris Cancer Center and organization, the Odd Fellows and she announced…” many institutions around the world. Rebekahs, and in historical reenactments Avoid political spin. This applies to a Astrahan is a tireless teacher to all such as the battle at Little Bighorn in public policy spin. Avoid using the word ■ of the residents and fellows, as well Montana. “burden” as in the “burden” of our aging society. Avoid naïve sense of wonder. The operative words are “remain” or “still.” For Emeriti Center research funds are available example, at 76, Smith remains active as a teacher…” Kleyman writes this can be The USC Emeriti Center is pleased to be able to distribute $4,000 every year for interpreted as a “vestige of one’s waning research and life-long learning projects by retired USC faculty because a $40,000 power.” By astute listening and our use endowment was provided by the Provost in 2014 to support small grants to of accurate words, each of us can debunk individuals. erroneous assumptions about aging. Consider The grants allow continued writing and publication, travel to present papers at that a collective goal. ■ professional meetings, development of educational programs, and completion of scholarly or artistic projects begun before or after retirement. Grants may also be used to fund research assistants. – Helen Dennis, Applications for grants up to $2,000 are being accepted during the Spring Specialist on aging, Semester 2015. One grant was made during the Fall Semester 2014 to Roger D. Sherwood employment and the , Emeritus Professor of Architecture. new retirement, Guidelines and application forms are available on the Emeriti College website ■ [email protected] www.usc.edu/ecc
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 7 New Caldwell Scholar Silvia Gomez excels
“I excel at academics,” says Silvia advising, college tours, enrichment courses Program, she mentored special-needs Gomez (Class of 2018). This is how the and SAT preparation for low-income first students, and because her older sister is newly minted RFA Caldwell Scholar generation college-going students. She took autistic, she was deeply compelled to join describes herself. And the college-level courses for four Best Buddies as a reading mentor and straight-A Belmont High years and experienced USC provide a support system for those students. School graduate’s impressive campus life. For three years, “I love math and science, and all those record while there reflects she was a high achiever in opportunities and experiences led me to that: Certificate of Special UCLA’s Early Academic USC,” said Gomez, where she majors in Congressional Recognition, Outreach Program that business administration. High Honor Roll, AP Scholar provided academic counseling Gomez, freshmen Joshua Park and Award and the Scholar- and workshops on college Gwang Kim are the RFA’s first Caldwell Athlete Award for soccer, cross searches and application Scholars from Belmont High School. The country track and swimming. processes. RFA welcomes these Belmont High School Gomez is no stranger to Active in community colleagues to USC and to our Caldwell USC. In her freshman year at Belmont, service work, she ran the L.A. Marathon Scholarship Program. Fight on! ■ she was selected to join USC’s Math/ and volunteered as a marathon event Science Upward Bound Program. The coordinator for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Victor Marshand Webb Saturday Academy provided academic organization. With the Best Buddies
Meet Debbie Jones, Welcome new Benefits Navigator Faculty Retirement Navigator Keri Marroquin
The Office of the Provost officially Keri Marroquin provides personalized launched the Faculty Early consulting services to USC faculty and staff Retirement Program Sept 2, 2014. considering retirement, and those transitioning This program is being offered from to retirement. She joined USC in 2014 September 2014 through June after managing a social services program at 2016 and allows faculty up to four a local nonprofit organization. Marroquin years of phased retirement. A key has an extensive background in planning feature of this program is access to and facilitating the execution of large life a retirement navigator, who will assist faculty in the transitions for families and individuals. She has a degree in challenging retirement process. To that end, the Office psychology, experience working with Social Security and Debbie Jones for Faculty Affairs, hired as the Faculty Medicare benefits, as well as many non-profits and generic Retirement Navigator. service providers available to retirees. As the benefits retirement Jones has an investment background, having worked navigator, Marroquin is dedicated to providing personalized as a financial advisor in the Los Angeles and Pasadena planning that assist USC faculty and staff in making a smooth communities, and has a bachelor's degree in international and comfortable transition into retirement. She believes that good relations and a master's degree in public administration retirement preparation requires intentional planning for healthcare, from the University of Southern California. income, family obligations, and lifestyle. Marroquin is Spanish Jones and her husband have raised their family in speaking and able to meet with employees to plan retirement. Pasadena, where she continues an active role in her “Within only two months of starting her position at USC, community. As the Faculty Retirement Navigator, Keri has already been able to help retirees find supportive Jones’ goal is to meet faculty, deans and faculty groups to resources and opportunities within their own communities” said present the Faculty Early Retirement Program. Faculty Janette Brown. members may contact Jones directly for confidential Marroquin is located in the Benefits Office on the second appointments by contacting her at [email protected]. floor of the Credit Union Building at the UPC campus. She can ■ edu or calling her at (213) 740-7641. be reached at [email protected] or at (213) 821-4572. ■
8 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 Life’s little instructions Benefactor Recognition • Sing in the shower. Through the Emeriti Center’s Benefactor Recognition Program, we thank • Treat everyone you meet like you want those who have recognized honored colleagues, friends, and family with a to be treated. $500 or more contribution: • Watch a sunrise at least once a year. Donor Honoree • Never refuse homemade brownies. Leonard R. Wines Stan Kenton • Learn three clean jokes. • Return borrowed vehicles with the gas Dave Brubeck tank full. William C. Hromadka Dennis F. Dougherty • Return all things you borrow. Dr. William C. Himstreet • Never waste an opportunity to tell William E. Thomson Betty Thomson someone you love them. • Leave everything a little better than you The USC Emeriti Center is grateful to Adrian B. Goodman for his gift found it. • Make new friends but cherish the old of $1,000, and to Jack Borsting and Randolph W. Westerfield for their ones. gifts of $500. • Keep it simple. • Think big thoughts but relish small Note: our September issue inadvertently re-listed donors/honorees that had pleasures. appeared in our May issue. And we missed donor Len Wines in September, • Floss your teeth. so we now list him above along with new benefactors. • Be forgiving of yourself and others. • Say “thank you” and “please” a lot. Emeriti Center and AROHE contribute to • Avoid negative people. important Chronicle article • Wear polished shoes. • Have a firm handshake. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently diligence, and hard work of faculty • Plant flowers every Spring. ran three columns exploring the issue of members. They are owed more than a Len Wines faculty retirements. “The forever handshake and medical benefits. They – submitted by professors” suggested that senior faculty should be able to retire and yet still serve (Source unknown, taken from a framed, have an obligation to retire. “Ageism in the cause of knowledge, discovery, printed message hanging on Len’s wall.) academe” countered that many professors creation, and dissemination in ways that are as just as productive as they get older, are productive and valued. if not more so. The third column, “While these columns focus on USC Book Club thrives on variety “Dignity in retirement is not too much to faculty retirements, the USC Emeriti ask,” co-written by AROHE.org Center and AROHE are working to Janette Brown A congenial core group of 10 USC Executive Director re-envision retirement for both faculty Book Club members has been meeting (who also helms the Emeriti Center), and staff,” said Brown, “and AROHE monthly for the past year under the care Sue Barnes member organizations are working AROHE President and and nurturing of Beth Shube. David Perlmutter diligently to facilitate opportunities for Chronicle columnist , Meetings are held on the second suggests that providing opportunities for retirees to contribute to their campuses ■ Thursday of each month from 2 p.m. to faculty to continue their engagement in and society as a whole.” 3:30 p.m. in Rm. 140 of the Davis retirement is mutually beneficial to School of Gerontology on the University academic institutions as well as Emeriti. Regional gatherings anyone? Park Campus. Each member takes a The last paragraph of the “dignity” column states, “Despite many problems, Are you interested in starting a monthly turn presenting two or three book our system of higher education continues or quarterly meet for breakfast, coffee, choices for the next reading, and the to be a global model. Yet whenever we walking or other kind of activity with other members reach a consensus on the boast about a “great” university or college, retired staff, faculty, and alumni? If so, let next selection. The result has been a we should always remember that us know by calling the Emeriti Center wide variety of authors and genres, and we greatness—in teaching, research, service, office at (213) 740-8921 and our Trojans have demonstrated that variety IS the Helping Trojans committee will follow spice of life. We are happy to have and public engagement—was achieved in ■ ■ large part through the creativity, up with you. interested retired faculty and staff join us.
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 9 Cyber security summit yields valuable advice
As the only representative from the careers in the fairly new professions of apps except those you Emeriti community present at USC’s first cyber security and cyber forensics. use for finances – is Cyber Security Summit for faculty, staff, Statistics on breaches of cyber security practical. So I’ll retire and students, I was keen to know how are daunting, showing that 97% of all an old laptop soon, best to insure personal cyber security and networks have at some point been will wipe it of all to gather information to share with our breached. The goal of cyber security and information and Donna M. Simmons retiree community. For instance, while a forensics teams is prevention when re-install a clean retiree may no longer have an office and possible, and mitigation of results such as operating system and new browser to access USC-owned computer, there is ample theft of personal and intellectual only my financial information. access to Information Technology information and damage to the core Finally, it’s never a good idea to use a Services (ITS) advice and software networks of institutions, which is handled non-secure Wi-Fi hotspot (coffee shop, downloads (see below). by USC’s CISO. Many cyber attack airport, hotel lobby, etc.) to access any Hosted by the USC Office of the inroads result from unsafe practices, such secure or financial sites, nor to make Chief Information Security Officer as users who ignore the importance of online purchases. Accessing email should (CISO David Shaw) the half-day event having up-to-date strong passwords, and also be avoided from free sites. Note: USC last October included a film based on the who mindlessly click on questionable links has both a secure (with log-on and true story of a student unwittingly in an email or on a webpage. The conference password) Wi-Fi system, and a non- recruited into cyber espionage, a addressed increasing the security awareness secure public system. presentation on “Lessons Learned from of everyday users, as consumers and as The CISO security blog
Stay tuned for EC March workshop will Spring campus events focus on our well-being
Mark your calendars to save the dates “We’ve had 20 years added, not to the end of life but to the middle of life.” for these coming attractions: – Mary Catherine Bateson (author and cultural anthropologist)
February: The Emeriti Center’s March seminar presents, “Well-being, Fulfillment and Helen Dennis An Emergency Preparedness Joy: For Today and Tomorrow,” conducted by , Author and Symposium, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 Specialist in Aging, Employment & and New Retirement. p.m. this February in the Davis School Aud.; includes a box lunch. Campus Construction When: Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m. to Noon Updates will also be addressed. Where: GER 224
February 27: This workshop will address ways to maximize retirement and aging iPad Overview Workshop, experiences. Topics include: the Village concept, encore careers, legacy, staying 10 a.m. to Noon, GER 224. connected, new technology and more. Each leads to enhanced well-being, Look forward to Trojan Tech Fridays fulfillment and joy in your life. in the Spring! To reserve a space, register online: http://bit.ly/WellBeingMar12 or call (213) 740-7122. ■
10 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 BOOK NOOK USC retiree community contributes through volunteerism “The Moor’s Account”
The Trojan Encore program continues to reach out to SRA members who may need by Laila Lalami (2014) make retirees available to USC departments a ride to EC or USC events. The survey Esebanico – the first black slave in the for short-term and part-time positions. helped identify members who can provide a There have been some retiree placements in ride or be able to car pool. Many members New World whose name is known – is paid short-term, part-time and volunteer were generous in volunteering to provide a featured in this historical novel as Spanish positions over the years. The number of ride. More than 50 responded to our survey, conquistadores engage Native Americans openings has diminished, yet there are with 23 offering rides and/or willing to car in “La Florida” from 1527 to 1536. The more occasions for volunteering to support pool, while only seven needed a ride. Moroccan slave shares his “story” in this the university. We continue to encourage In another survey, our goal was to imagined narrative about the nature of our retirees to accept these volunteer identify ways in which the EC can be of bondage, freedom, loyalty, and hope, as opportunities. more support, including offering helpful explorers encounter indigenous peoples. As we enter our second year, Trojans and enjoyable resources. Helping Trojans (THT) committee If you have not taken the survey go to Neither side is shielded from violence and members are enthusiastic, active and www.surveymonkey.com/s/RetiredStaff. brutality once a pebble of gold is found, committed to serving. We can even THT committee members continue to and 600 men and horses dwindle to a multi-task! At several of our THT volunteer to call new retired faculty and handful as navigational errors, fever and meetings, the volunteer committee has staff. They ask the new retirees if they starvation enter the equation. ■ assisted with mailings for Emeriti Center received the Gold Card forms, (EC) events. We would be pleased to have informational brochures, and the Retiree – Christine Shade you join our committee. Community Newsletter. The THT [email protected] Recently, THT petitioned the USC volunteers have been invaluable in reaching Staff Assembly (which exists to promote the out to new retirees and sharing information growth and welfare of staff employees) to with the EC to help maintain accurate J. Tillman Hall Staff Award have a staff retiree attend their meetings. records. nomination deadline The Staff Assembly agreed and invited a Through our efforts, we hope to help Staff Retirement Association (SRA) Board new retirees transition into retirement members as an ex-officio member. assured that the Emeriti Center is acting as Please submit nominations of worthy The newest THT project was creating their ‘Home Department.’ ■ staff colleagues for the J. Tillman Hall and conducting a Ride Share Survey to Staff Award for Service to USC by March workshop will Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 focus on our well-being . The award Retired faculty and staff are invited to provide ethics perspectives recognizes retired staff who have significantly contributed to USC after A new on-line magazine, Viterbi Conversations in Ethics (VCE), showcases USC their retirement. The award will be undergraduate student writing on ethics in the engineering professions. Designed to help presented at the 30th Annual Staff students see themselves as professionals within a larger community of thinkers and writers, Retirement Recognition Luncheon VCE provides an informed, reasoned, and relevant discussion on modern engineering honoring recently retired staff on Thursday, March 19, in Town issues that have ethical implications. Students write papers which become a “conversation” & Gown. about ethics, and then thoughtful, informed experts will provide written responses to further that conversation. The essays and the responses will be published together on To make nominations or to obtain USC’s VCE website. additional information, go to Retired USC faculty and staff are invited to be the first set of responders, and need not emeriti.usc.edu and click on “Programs” be engineering faculty – a broad array of perspectives is desired. Papers currently available tabs and then on “Awards” or call for response include: The Frozen Undead: Ethical Implications of Suspended Animation Gloria Ortega at (213) 740-8175. and Cryonics; Drones and Surveillance: An Ethical Approach; The Ethics of Artificial Jo Art Organs; Utilitarian and Rights-based Arguments for Planetary Protection; and Ethics of Recent recipients include: and Ochoa Jeanne Bob Decisions Behind the Lost Angeles Aqueduct. (2014), and Church (2013); Mitzi Tsujimoto VCE will have an ongoing pool of papers available for comment. To join in this conver- ■ Martha Townsend ■ (2012); and Carole W. Gustin (2011). sation, contact Faculty Advisor , at [email protected] or (213) 740-1476.
web: emeriti.usc.edu COLLEAGUES FOR LIFE 11 Non-profit Organization University of Southern California U.S. Postage Paid 3715 McClintock Avenue, Room 220 University of Southern Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191 California
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USC Emeriti Center RETIREE COMMUNITY EVENTS (emeriti.usc.edu/events) Phone (213) 740-8921
JANUARY: Thursday, January 8 Emeriti College Phone (213) 740-8841 USC Book Club (see page 9 for more) Email [email protected] FEBRUARY: Day and Date to come 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Emergency Preparedness Symposium,” and Website emeriti.usc.edu Campus Construction Updates (see page 10) USC Retiree Community Newsletter Friday, February 13 (March 13 and April 10)
RFA Sherry Hours, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Rm. 241, Doheny Janette C. Brown, Executive Director
Library. Feb. 13 Speaker: Professor of Law Jody David Armour Christine Sinrud Shade, Editor Friday, February 27, 10 a.m. to Noon Contributors: Retired Faculty Association and iPad Overview Workshop, GER 224 Staff Retirement Association members; and Emeriti Center leaders and staff. MARCH: Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m. to Noon New Life Stage Workshop with Helen Dennis (see page 10) SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 19, Town & Gown Saturday, March 14
30th Annual SRA Recognition Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., GER 224 APRIL: Saturday, April 11, 2:30 p.m. “Alumni Day of SCervice” “Grease,” annual SRA Spring musical (see page 5) Join fellow Trojans to give back Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19 through local service volunteer L.A. Times Festival of Books, at USC (UPC), Free projects. For info, go to: alumni.usc. MAY: Friday, May 15 edu/scervice in February 2015 to find a SCervice Project near you. USC’s 132nd Annual Commencement 12 USC EMERITI CENTER January 2015 The Emeriti Center, an advocate and active supporter of USC retirees since 1978