UCSC Retirees 50th Anniversary Celebration

Warm sunshine burst through glorious rain clouds the morning of the UCSC Retirees and Emeriti Faculty celebration of UCSC’s 50^th anniversary at Harvey West Park.  Picnic tables were set with colored tablecloths and miniature roses. UCSC Retirees and Emeriti Faculty Association board members greeted over 160 retiree friends and former colleagues who came from Santa Cruz and its four contiguous counties.  Some brought spouses and special guests with them.

Upon arrival, people enjoyed poster boards exhibiting photos from UCSC’s early days made by retiree Jim Burns. Several people brought their own personal memorabilia that were set out on tables to share. 

After a delicious catered picnic lunch of barbecued chicken and ribs with all the fixings, Mike Rotkin and Nick Royal played a medley of music from the sixties, inspiring several of us to sing along.

Retiree Association President Dave Dodson opened the program with announcements of upcoming Silver Slug events—the November Crafts Fair that will benefit UCSC student military veterans, the December Holiday Party, and open enrollment presentations by the UCSC Benefits Office. Emeriti Faculty President Michael Nauenberg spoke of upcoming lunches and lectures for their association. Becky Skinner, the Coordinator of the new Center for UCSC Retirees and Emeriti Faculty, was also introduced.

A highlight of the day was a presentation by Professor Emeritus John Dizikes. He spoke of the early days of UCSC and when he was Provost of Cowell College. Through gracious memories and humorous anecdotes, John thanked the staff members who were present for their valuable commitment and contributions to making UCSC the institution it is today.

Taking 50^th anniversary souvenirs with them as they left, people commented how much they enjoyed reminiscing and laughing together, and thanked the planning committee and chairs Nancy Pascal and Jerry Walters for bringing us together.