Santa Monica College’s Emeritus College is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with events ranging from an open house and art exhibition and reception, to a silent benefit and a special tribute to Retired Emeritus College Associate Dean Maggie Hall.
“Throughout the past four decades, Emeritus College has survived and thrived because of the dedication and warm connections between students, faculty, staff, and volunteers,” said Emeritus College Acting Associate Dean Gita Runkle. “We are so fortunate to be in a community that values lifelong learning and we hope the community enjoys our 40th Anniversary activities. A committee full of amazing volunteers has been working tirelessly to create a fun-packed and meaningful celebration for this momentous occasion.”
Emeritus College was founded by SMC in 1975 to serve the lifelong learning interests of older adults. Today, the widely praised program offers more than 120 free classes and special programs, and serves over 3,000 students each year.
All anniversary events are free and will be held at Emeritus College, 1227 Second St., Santa Monica. Parking is available next door in Santa Monica Public Parking Structure No. 2.
The 40th Anniversary activities include:
• Monday, May 4: Open House & Silent Benefit Preview from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Emeritus College Art Gallery. Festive event will include live music by Emeritus College students, display a pictorial review of Emeritus College’s history, feature live portrait drawings by an Emeritus College student, and start the preview period (May 4-8) for the amazing selection of creative works, collectibles, services, and experiences contributed to a Silent Benefit organized by Emeritus Gallery Director Jesse Benson in support of Emeritus College.
• Tuesday, May 12: 40th Anniversary Emeritus College Art Exhibition Opening Reception & Start of Silent Benefit from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Emeritus College Art Gallery. Opening reception – with Ikebana arrangement by Tory Lowitz, light refreshments, and a pictorial review of Emeritus College’s history – for exhibition of works by Emeritus College and guest professional artists, including Charles Arnoldi, Steven Bankhead, Merwin Belin, Jesse Benson, Judy Benson, Olivia Booth, Carla Danes, Erwin Glaub, John Greco, Scott Greiger, Jacob Melchi, Renee Petropoulos, Catherine Tirr, and Erin Watson. The reception opens the Silent Benefit bidding period (May 12-22) for the art on exhibit, as well as jewelry, event tickets, professional services, antiquities, experiences, memorabilia, and more, with selections ranging from very affordable items to valuable collectibles. Exhibition runs through June 16.
• Monday-Friday, May 18-22: Emeritus College Annual Fund Drive all day at the Emeritus College Walkway. Find out about Emeritus College, then make a contribution to the Annual Fund and get the chance to spin the wheel for prizes!
• Thursday, May 28: 40th Anniversary Closing Event from 12 to 1 p.m. in Emeritus College Room 107. Welcome by Emeritus College Acting Associate Dean Gita Runkle, presentation of resolution from State Assembly Member Richard Bloom’s office, and a special tribute to Retired Emeritus College Associate Dean Maggie Hall.
The Emeritus College 40th Anniversary sponsors include Merrill Lynch Bank of America Corporation, UCLA Health, and Heart Light.
For more information about Emeritus College and its 40th Anniversary activities, visit www.smc.edu/emeritus or call (310) 434-4306.
