Retirees Association

President's Welcome—Rob Lee

Dear PCC Retirees,

I recently received the gavel from Alan Lamson, who was one of the most welcoming colleagues when I started at PCC back in 1992 as a lowly adjunct. I had been teaching ESL at South Pasadena High School for six years. In fact, I was the entire ESL department there and the first full-time ESL teacher on that campus.  Although I was quite happy there, my wife was at home with our newborn daughter, and the loss of her income caused me to look to supplement my income by teaching an evening ESL class for PCC. Well, one thing led to another, and I was hired as a full-time ESL teacher in the fall of 1992. In 2006, I transitioned into the position of Writing Center Coordinator, a “temporary,”  full-time reassignment that lasted until I retired in 2021! I was also known as the “Crazy Rose Parade Guy” as the PCC Social Activities Group has hosted this event for faculty and staff since approximately 1995. Those were some GREAT times!

When I retired in the summer of 2021, I was the most senior faculty in the English Department (despite all my efforts, the English Dean would not call me “Number 1”). I have thoroughly enjoyed my retired life, as I have time to exercise, play trombone again, and spend time with friends. I have especially enjoyed activities with my fellow retirees from PCC. I remember so many of you from my early days at PCC and have loved getting to know many of you better now that we are retired.

One of the most fulfilling things that we retirees do is award scholarships to deserving students who have overcome adversity. I have attended several of the awards luncheons and have been humbled by how tough and resilient the scholarship recipients are.  I’d encourage you to attend the next awards luncheon in May, as it is always a joyful event.  I also hope some of you will consider contributing to the Retirees Scholarship Fund. Last May (2024), the Retiree Association awarded around $12,000 to deserving students, so the fund needs regular replenishing. Any amount is welcome. You can contribute online by going to the Foundation donation website - http://10933.thankyou4caring.org. You can choose the amount to donate and then designate it for the PCC Retirees Association Scholarship Fund. You can also send a check for the Retirees Scholarship Fund to the PCC Foundation at 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91106.

Many thanks for helping a student achieve their success.

Rob Lee 
President 
PCC Retirees Association