Gary Latch '66
I had a great college experience at Long Beach State. I First enrolled in the Spring of 1961. I did all my 5 years of courses at L.B. graduating in June of 1966 with a B. S. in Zoology. I worked on my Master Degree in Biology with an emphasis in Entomology course work till 1969, then moved up to Livermore and completed my Thesis work and finished with an M.A. in Biology in 1972. I took time teaching Junior High Science and then Biology in High School.
I had good memories at Long Beach. I was a commuting student, traveling back home to Lynwood. I joined the Science club and had interaction with students in all disciplines of science. There was limited time for student festivities on campus. There were numerous noon-time gatherings in the central campus by the bookstore and cafeteria. I remember the cheer-leaders leading school spirit-songs during lunch. The football game was an important event each week.
I loved the special days on campus. I attended several 49er Days, Football games and dances. Sometimes it was difficult since the school day was long and my drive home was about 16 miles.
I also enjoyed the morning cafeteria omelets and hot chocolate before class started. It was interesting talking with my carpool colleagues about the classes we were taking and the professors we had.
I got my B.S. degree in Zoology and my M.A. degree in Biology with an emphasis in Entomology. My Favorite professors were Dr. Menees, Dr. Sleeper, and Dr. Hardy.
I believe my learning skills were a great asset to me in my life as a teacher for 36 years.
I taught Junior-high science for 15 years before advancing to Livermore High School teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. A total of 19 years at this level. (I did teach for 2 years at my High School- Lynwood before moving up north in 1969.
I retired in 2003 and spent my time doing volunteer work at my church. For 1 week /three years were spent in Agua Viva Ministries in Baja California, east of Ensenada. We work to help further the gospel in that area. Also went on choir missionary trips in the '80s & '90s to China/ New territories, Pacific Northwest and Eastern Europe---A real blessed
Experience. I sang in the choir at VCC in Dublin, CA for 23 years. My wife, Cheryl and I also have just recently been traveling in the USA to our National Parks & Monuments and learning all about our history. We also volunteer at Open heart Kitchen at a local church once a month.
I wouldn't have been as effective as a teacher without my education and experience at Long Beach. Receiving my B.S. & M.A. was truly a blessing from God. One of my most meaningful experiences was working for my Professor, Dr. Menees, as a lab assistant ( from 1965-1967 ) while I was working on my Master Degree.
