by Gale Lederer, OLLI member
Susan Sperber, OLLI volunteer extraordinaire, transplanted herself from New York to San Francisco during 1967—the Summer of Love. Eventually, she settled in Oakland and began a twenty-nine year career at Hawthorne School, once considered Oakland's second-lowest performing school. But as teacher, assistant principal, and then as principal, she helped turn the school around until it now ranks as one of the city's best.
Susan says that when she first retired two years ago, she didn't know what to do with her retirement—but she's clearly figured that out fast. Upon discovering OLLI, she became an all-inclusive member and took fourteen classes during her first year. She currently serves on OLLI's Membership Services Committee. She organized our Annual Membership Meeting and our most recent Happy Hour and will put together our upcoming September Open House. She also coordinates PAEOLLI, our very active Performing Arts Enthusiasts interest group, and keeps its grateful members well informed about the Bay Area's wealth of cultural events. Susan also takes tai chi, Zumba, aqua-aerobics, yoga, and ballet at her local YMCA. Furthermore, she participates in a book club, travels, and goes to the theatre and on other outings—often with the PAEOLLI group.
“At work, you're surrounded by many people,” Susan tells us. “But when you retire—not so much. It's easy when you retire to get old. But when you take classes and volunteer at OLLI, you meet great people and you don't get old.” The OLLI community is certainly blessed by Susan's willingness to share so much of her expertise and enthusiasm with us.