There were many fond memories of LBSC. Interacting with a well-educated faculty, the staff and diversified students that added to the excitement of being in college and is at the top of the list.
I was involved in student government as a Associated Student Commissioner and part of Delta Zeta. Student government provided opportunities to interact with other students on campus as well as the faculty and faculty advisors. Social groups helped bridge the gap of an academic life and the need to grow and mature as an individual in a college environment that was changing daily as the construction of facilities progressed. Those of us who were organizing, developing, learning, and creating traditions along with newly hired faculty from across the United States.
The college's reputation for preparing successful teachers was enhanced as each year progressed. I did my student teaching in 2nd and fifth grades in the LBUSD and felt comfortable facing my first student teaching experience because of the classes I took at State and the faculty I had. I was still scared, though, and wanted to be successful.
I was able to approach each challenge knowing that I was well prepared and could ask for help if I needed to do so. I was hired by the LBUSD in 1957, completed my master's in 1964, was a master's teacher (one who helps other entering the profession), taught twelve years in Long Beach, and moved to Pennsylvania in 1969.
I am a retired public school teacher. I taught twelve years in the Long Beach Unified School District in California and twenty-four and half years in the Central Bucks School District, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
I do volunteer tutoring at four schools in memory of my husband and younger son who were killed in an automobile accident. I help elementary school children who are recommended to me by the school counselor, psychologist and/or classroom teachers. Many of the students are very bright children who need challenges, understanding and acceptance. This fall I will begin working with four exceptionally bright first grade children on reading/writing and math.
I participate in different activities in the township and community. I love to read, cook, sew, knit, wood work, garden, cane chairs, collect usable antiques, etc. I love technology and have been a devoted Macintosh user for many years, I even have an iPhone.
I have five relatives of my family who have attended CSULB. Also, I served on the Alumni Association Board after I graduated in 1957. The college is much larger now, then when I was a student there. I was able to get involved in all kinds of activities because we were a small group of first four year students (member of the first freshman class) and were asked to help establish traditions. Here is the advice I can give:
It is a very exciting and rewarding time of your life - jump in and get your feet wet.
Photo of Maureen laying on her stomach, doing research to perform her duties as the Associated Student Commissioner of Athletics.
Photo of the 1957 Forty-Niner Award winners, Connie Garr, Maureen (Hutchinson) Book, Val Worden and Huey Sheperd.
Photo of Maureen and two of her Delta Zeta sorority sisters at a Delta Zeta Sorority function.
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