I have lived in San Diego for 22 years and am planning to move back to my home town, Philadelphia this year. I have taught in the Religious Studies departments at San Diego State University since 1989 and the University of San Diego since 2004. But my favorite group of students are the seniors that I teach each summer for Grand Edventures and for the Continuing Education Center in Rancho Bernardo.These seniors are really senior–men and women (mostly women) in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. When I first came to San Diego I was the “baby” in thesse classes. I was only 55 years old. Now the classes have 50- and 60-year-olds, and I am no longer the young one.
My students are bright, enthusiastic, funny and appreciative of my lectures or discussions with them. I don’t get applause from my college-age kids, but my elder chicks and roosters always have something nice to say about the class and applaud after each 2-hour session.
Most of the folks come to San Diego from Florida or Arizona. They stay on the campus of San Diego State University for 4 weeks, 6 weeks or 8 weeks. They all have stories and are always willing to share them with the class. Sometimes one or two of them falls asleep in class, and as long as they don’t snore, we don’t disturb them. I remember a few years ago when I was teaching The Tempest and out of the blue came a voice from the back of the class: “Doctor, why aren’t you married?” Then before I could say anything another voice popped up with, “Such a good-looking person, and so smart, you’d think you could have anyone.” Another voice said, “What kind of a question is that to ask the professor?” Soon almost everyone was joining in, and I finally had to call the class to order. I never did answer the question, maybe because I don’t have an answer!
I have a film class that meets at my house once a week. These are former students from the CEC group in Rancho Bernardo, some of whom have taken classes with me since 1990, and with only two exceptions the students are all older than I (thank heavens!). The variety of responses to the films that we see prior to the class are always intelligent and perceptive–sometimes provocative and argumentative (actually often so, but that adds spice to the class).
I will miss my students, especially the ones who come back from Florida and Arizona each summer. My CEC folks will remain my friends forever, and I hope when I return to Philly I will enjoy the company of more senior students. Leave a comment here.
By, Pat Boni (PhD, age 77, college professor, cat lover, cut-throat Scrabble player, and at one time, the worst secretary in Philadelphia)
Hey, Pat, come on down to Sarasota, Florida. We have a great film festival here in April. We are big movie goers and film classes/discussion groups are among the most popular and well attended.
Thanks, Bobby–I think when I get an apartment I’ll stay indoors for the remainder of the winter months. See you there–love the website!
Dr. Boni!!!
How happy I am to find you here! (It’s your former student, Katy Liesenfelt!) I was thinking about you today – about a painting you shared with me after our REL S 350 end of semester party – and could not resist Googling “Pat Boni PhD.” Here you are, as full of verve as ever! I am glad to hear you are looking forward to moving back to Philadelphia (hopefully to be with loved ones?); though I think the West Coast will lose a bit of its warmth with you so far away. If you haven’t yet gone, I would love to meet for lunch one last time at the Cheesecake Factory (my treat this time!). You are and will always be one of the greatest teachers I have known. A thousand times, thank you, for bringing chaos into my order 🙂
With Love,
Katy Liesenfelt
kliesenfelt@msn.com
Pat, I love your enthusiastic approach to all your endeavors!
Noted the Scrabble player: During quarantine I began to play solo Scrabble. You have to use ALL.the letters within 15 minutes. Seven letters at a time.
Let me know how you like it.