Fred Peritore '64
I think it is fair to say that I fell in love with Long Beach State the very first day I came on campus as a student way back in September of 1961. Not only did I find the campus impressive but my professors were of the highest quality from the get-go, and I cannot say that I ever had one who I thought was anything but excellent. I had the pleasure of being a full time student in two go-rounds, Sept, 1961 to Feb., 1964, then a two and a half year hiatus to do my active duty in the Army National Guard and work at North American Rockwell on the Apollo program. I returned to Long Beach in September of 1966 and during my year and a half there earned my teaching minor and met the love of my life, Linda.
While at LBSC, I was a member of a number of clubs including the Newman Club, the Young Democrats (though now I’m a Republican), and Beta Phi Gamma (for Journalism). However, my fondest memory of LBSC was definitely when I met my wife, Linda. We’re still together today and we will be celebrating our 44th Wedding Anniversary this year! Winning the Intramural Softball Championship and writing for the school paper are also memories I cherish.
When an undergraduate, I hung out in the Publications Office since I wrote sports for the school paper. Every day was an adventure for me, whether writing and covering sports, going to dances sponsored by the Newman Club or getting into political arguments during my liberal days. Words can hardly express my Long Beach State experience because I loved the place. Great professors, good friends, great classes, terrific clubs, and to the point that I even got to enjoy studying and writing research papers-----if you can believe that.
Dr. Irving Ahlquist, history professor and one of the original faculty members on the campus, was my all time favorite teacher. He turned me on to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. He was so inspiring that I carry a photo of Lincoln in my wallet!
After graduation I was first on active then reserve duty with the US Army and National Guard. Then I taught at Arcadia High School until 2002. I also ran two baseball programs during my time at Arcadia.
Today I am working for my local Republican party as well as working on my golf game. I also travel to keep up with my beloved Red Sox and see them play and stay busy with Red Sox friends online. I also like to belly board at Seal Beach when it is warm and entertain my grandkids.
