Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: 90-year-old becomes oldest student to graduate in Gavilan’s history
“It only took 70 years to get it.”
Ted Thoeny celebrates graduating at age 90. Photo courtesy Gavilan College
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
San Juan Bautista resident Ted Thoeny, 90, recently achieved a lifelong goal by graduating from Gavilan College with a degree in studio arts. Thoeny, who has had a successful career in civil engineering and construction, became the oldest graduate in the school’s history and received special honors at the May 24 ceremony.
Despite attending Stanford University in 1951 and San Mateo Junior College in 1955, Thoeny never completed his degree. He left for South America and “met a girl” there, and they both moved back to the U.S. and got married. He went to the University of New Mexico to work on a degree in geology, but soon his career took time away from college.
He found in later life that he wanted to earn a degree just to fill that part of his academic life.
“It only took 70 years to get it,” the nonagenarian joked of his scholarly accomplishment. “I always like to learn something new . . . The most important thing is to learn as much as you can and discover new things in the world.”
His advice for other senior citizens thinking about going back to college: “Find something you like. I found if you practice what you enjoy doing, then it’s fun. That’s what life should be.”
Thoeny’s children, Melissa and Ansel, were present at the graduation ceremony and expressed their admiration for their father’s curiosity, perseverance, and positive attitude.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Thoeny has already enrolled in summer courses to study astronomy and continue his art education, all while maintaining his life motto: “Just have fun.”
Appropriately for a life-long learner, Thoeny lives in a 100-year-old school house on the edge of San Juan Bautista. A school house seems appropriate for a scholar to make his home in.
Day on the RIdge concert. Photo by Robert Airoldi
While publisher Marty Cheek attended the Mushroom Festival on Memorial Day weekend that raises scholarship money, I had a wonderful time at the 6th Annual Day on the Ridge in Gilroy with friends and about 1,000 others.
The bands were entertaining, the Gourmet Alley food was fantastic, and as always the venue was set up perfectly by homeowners Shawn and Brenda Chizanskos, founders of the event. It raises money for St. Joseph’s Family Center — $101,526 this year!
“Shawn and I would like to thank everyone for supporting SJFC and attending this epic community event, Day on the Ridge!” Brenda said.
Brenda and Shawn, that’s two in a row for me —and I’m looking forward to next year’s party.
Marian Yoder, Zach Hilton and last year’s winner, Ziggy Gemar.
We got word from Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton he has announced this year’s “Bike Person of the Year” as a part of May’s Bike Month celebrations. Congratulations to Marian Yoder on being awarded the pedal-power honor.
“There are many bike advocates who don’t realize the positive impact they have on the community, and this is a great way to elevate them,” Hilton said.
“Marian is an incredible role model for younger generations to know the joy of biking is a lifelong passion,” said Noshaba Afzal, who nominated Yoder for the award. “Marian still regularly bikes up the beautiful Gilroy hills, paths through parks, to meetings, and all-around town. She’s inspired so many others to take up biking again.”
The Morgan Hill and Gilroy libraries again this summer will host the free meal program. Children through the age of 18 can enjoy these nutritious meals Monday through Friday. No registration is necessary and meals are available from noon to 1 p.m. at both locations while supplies last.
Following lunch, patrons are invited to stay for enrichment programming, such as arts & crafts, games and special presentations. Of course, children are also welcome to check out materials with their library card.
