Laird Matthews
I had a fabulous college experience at Long Beach State! Maybe that’s why my Marketing degree took 4 ½ years to complete instead of 4. Perhaps working almost full time, a desire to delay the military draft as long as possible and on-campus activities had something to do with the time line as well. I entered Long Beach as a 17 year old freshman and grew to become an adult ready to face the world upon graduation. I received an outstanding education for which I’m most thankful. I met my bride of 50 years the former Diane Davis, who is also a Golden Grad this year, on Campus and we married our last semester at State. I formed many lifetime friendships at Long Beach that are strong to this day. College was affordable in the 1960’s and thru outside work; I was able to help my parents help me with finances. I lived in my fraternity house most of my college career and thus became a part of the fabric of the University participating in many on campus supported events. Our classes were excellent with great instructors, who cared about you as an individual along with your academic and personal growth. We had great sports teams and were competitive among other leading universities. Our beautiful campus (nick-named Long Peach State-due to the recently planted trees) is comprised of great looking buildings, classrooms and relaxing pastoral areas over a large geographic expanse. After graduation at Long Beach, I was able to complete an MBA at Pepperdine University. In the 1960’s, as I’m sure still exists today—finding a parking spot on campus was akin to searching for the “Holy Grail”. Would I select Long Beach State again—you bet!
I pledged Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity my freshman year and stayed active all 4 ½ years, holding several leadership positions including TKE President my senior year.I was also treasurer of the Interfraternity Council, where I met, worked and became fast friends with other members of Greek Organizations.During my first two years at Long Beach I swam and played water polo for the university.I was also able to participate in Intramural Sports and other activities such as 49er days.My fondest memory is having become a full active member of the LB State community celebrating my friends, associates, professors and academics.
I attended most sports games/matches and on campus events including 49er days, dances and even the Theta-Chi Toilet race—where my TEKE entry won the “best looking biffy”award. I really enjoyed our University football games—Remember: we’re undefeated since 1991! I’m not sure I participated, but I was present for most of our non-violent anti-Viet Nam war rallies, a difficult time for all of us.
We didn’t have a Student Union—so our hang-out was the cafeteria (I would like to say the Library—but that would be a bit far-fetched) chatting with friends and playing endless hours of “Hearts”, sometime blowing off a class or two if you had a hot hand.
I was lucky to have Dr. Ash from the Business Dept as my faculty advisor. He provided great council and guidance throughout my college career.Dr Fred Rodgers of the Speech/Communications Dept was also a great mentor.Taking his many classes including “Argumentation” helped prepare me for my entry into the business world initially as a sales professional.I had a “Business Law” course and professor who was hard as nails (Name withheld).That experience pretty well solidified my decision that lawyering was not one of my career goals.
Through my CSULB experiences I became well prepared for life after college. I was able to learn management skills, how to allocate funds, time management, hard work, prioritization, networking and living/working with diverse individuals. Thinking for myself, goal setting/achievement, working within committees and being bold while taking the initiative. And… stepping up to challenges.
Through networking within our University/Greek community and Alumni Groups, I was able to secure a positon within The Xerox Corporation (at their height of prominence) as a Sale Rep in Orange County.I spent 20 years with Xerox in many sales, training and senior management positions.Ten years in SoCal and then a transfer to the Bay Area for another ten years.In 1989, I joined an International Transportation Company and enjoyed significant business travel to Asia and Europe over the next seven years.A few years with Cisco Systems in the Bay Area lead to Siebel Systems (application software), a start up in Silicon Valley.After 8 years and a Vice President’s position, I left Siebel and created my own Sales and Management Consulting firm.A few years later, in 2008, I decided that full time retirement was the order of the day.
My wife and I live in the Bay Area close to our youngest adult daughter.Our other daughter is in North Carolina.We spend our time volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Church and Homeless Initiatives.We play golf and tennis with a wide network of friends and travel extensively.Every year we spend a month in Maui and do a least one or two cruises and/or travel with tour groups.I’m an avid SF 49er fan along with the Oakland A’s and most any other Bay Area sports teams including the Raiders, Giants, Stanford and CAL.Whenever “The Beach” is in the vicinity I’ll see a game or match.With all the great university’s and competition in the Bay Area—I’d like to see us up here more often.
