Some of Our Greats: Where are They Now?
For most of us, the word retirement means a stage in life filled with relaxation, reclaiming neglected hobbies and reconnecting with friends. But for three of the University’s most prominent professors, Mike Chessin, Gloria Hewitt and Toby Weist, retirement has meant publishing books, teaching classes, tutoring students and traveling. And that’s where their definition of “retirement” and Webster’s diverge. Much like Chessin, Gloria Hewitt has also spent the majority of her retirement on the go. The former head of the University’s math department opted for a three year post-retirement contract in 1999, which brought her back to campus for three spring semesters to teach classes. “That did a lot to lessen the impact of leaving, which was really helpful.”
Pomona College also wouldn’t let Hewitt give her math skills a rest and recruited her in 2003 to teach at the EDGE (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education) program, a summer course aimed at preparing women for the rigors of graduate school. Hewitt attributes the program and regular opportunities to tutor local high school and college students with keeping her interested in math. “It’s one of the nice things about being retired; it eases you out of what you did all your life.”
Hewitt is now easing herself into a routine that includes regular yoga and meditation classes at the Women’s Club gym along with cardio workouts and weight training. “I’m trying to build some sort of wholesome life for myself, and I don’t feel as old as I am. It makes me feel good to get in shape.” When she’s not at the gym in the Women’s Club, the next best place to find Hewitt is in the University’s gym watching the Lady Griz basketball games. “I wanted to do what I always said I would do, which is support the women’s team, so I have season tickets now,” said Hewitt.
