Dean Mary Schutten welcomes former faculty to the Emeritus and Retired Faculty Luncheon held at Flames Eatery Banquet Room in San José, California.
Dean Mary Schutten of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts (CASA) hosted a luncheon for emeritus and retired faculty on November 20, 2015. The annual event brought together former faculty from CASA’s departments and schools including one former dean, Robert Moore. The luncheon provided an opportunity for college updates from Dean Schutten as well as the college’s department chairs and directors.
Robert Moore, former Dean, congratulates CASA on the wonderful work the college is doing.
Peggy Plato, a Kinesiology professor, guided a tour of the newly renovated Spartan Complex to former faculty prior to lunch. They were able to see new classroom spaces, the gymnastics room and more. The group also toured the new department space for Kinesiology and Health Science and Recreation. Some of the group members visited offices they once worked in and reminisced about their meetings with students. Lee Walton, a former professor of Kinesiology, said he really liked the design of the building and the open space in the lobby for students to use during downtime.
Two students who attended the summer study abroad program led by current CASA faculty were invited to speak about their experience and the impact it has made in their life. Student speakers included Jesse Ruezga, a Master’s student in the School of Social Work and Chelle Tateishi, a Master’s student in Occupational Therapy.
Jesse Ruezga, Master’s student in Social Work, talked about studying abroad in Madrid, Spain.
Chelle Tateishi, a Master’s student in Occupational Therapy, spoke about her experience studying abroad in Jyvalska, Finland.
Ruezga spoke about his trip to Spain where he studied the country’s current social justice, human rights and social history with Social Work Professor, Mike Gorman. Tateishi studied the universal health care system on community wellness and prevention in Finland with Occupational Therapy Professor, Lynne Andonian.
The highlight of the luncheon came when former faculty shared a few words about what they have been up to since retirement. Many shared stories of traveling and spending time with grandchildren. Others shared how they are still involved on campus by way of the Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association at San José State University. Emeritus and retired faculty enjoyed catching up with former colleagues and meeting new faces in leadership roles for CASA.
Jill Cody, retired professor from Health Science and Recreation, shared her story of moving near the beach with her husband and writing a book that she plans to finish soon.
Daniel Glines, retired Kinesiology professor, shared his story of retirement by staying active outdoors and fishing in Montana.
Former faculty from The Valley Foundation of Nursing and The School of Social Work shared a table with current Social Work Director, Jack Wall and Nursing Director, Kathy Abriam-Yago at the annual luncheon.
