Program Overview

Introduction to SMC Emeritus

SMC Emeritus is a program of Santa Monica College for older adults, serving over 3,000 students annually and offering over 120 free classes of interest to older adults.

Program Description

The program offers classes during the day at convenient locations throughout the community or at its home base at 1227 2nd Street, Santa Monica. The name Emeritus refers to people "retired with honor," but all older adults are welcome.

Classes and Locations

• Classes are offered at various locations, including:
  • 1227 2nd Street, Santa Monica
  • Community sites throughout Santa Monica
  • SMC Malibu campus
• Classes are taught in English, with some classes also offered in Spanish.

Fifty Over 50 Campaign

The Fifty Over 50 campaign is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of SMC's Emeritus program. The campaign aims to recognize and honor individuals over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions in various fields professionally and in the community.

Goals of the Fifty Over 50 List

• To celebrate the achievements and potential of individuals over 50
• To highlight fifty people over age 50 who have made significant contributions
• To celebrate the unsung heroes that are 50+, those who may not necessarily be famous, wealthy, or well-known from their working life

Honorees

• A list of fifty individuals over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions, including:
  • Nathaniel Trives
  • Rita Friedman
  • Freddie Manseau
  • Michael Baroff
  • Sharon Ovsiowitz
  • Herman DeBose
  • Gordon Blitz
  • Norma Ehrlich
  • Theodore (Ted) Ehrlich
  • Carol Carson
  • Len Ovsiowitz
  • Dione Carter Hodges
  • Betty Rosen
  • Warren Olney
  • Beverly Cohn
  • Peter Wendel
  • Robert Rodriguez
  • Larry Robinson
  • Jennifer Chia
  • Terry Kamibayashi
  • Rose Dirks
  • Fran Aponte
  • David Chia
  • Allan Popelka
  • Marilyn "Maggie" Hall
  • Joseph Samuels
  • Diana Kamibayashi
  • Jody Krupin
  • Marjorie Friedlander
  • Harvey Stromberg
  • Esther Morrison
  • Parvin Pirouzkhah
  • Peter Bergquist
  • Maya Ganor
  • Jim Gerstley
  • Stuart Perlman
  • Darlene Gaston
  • Perri Chasin
  • Pam Popelka
  • Louise Jaffe
  • Tom Peters
  • Shirl Grayson
  • Wally Grayson
  • Julie Engelman
  • C. David Burak
  • Sharon Valente
  • Lisa Adams
  • Harriet P. Epstein
  • Marjorie Grace-Sayers
  • Barry Engelman
  • Valerie Taylor
  • Bob Stern

Program History

SMC Emeritus was started in 1975 and has been serving older adults for over 50 years. The program is committed to lifelong learning and offers a broad range of noncredit classes that serve the interests of older adults.