Students,
staff honor
Maxson’s
journey
By Eric Anthony
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Students,
faculty
and staff
gathered
Friday
at the
fountain
plaza
by
Brotman
Hall to honor President Robert C. Maxson and his wife, Sylvia, during a campus-wide
farewell celebration, complete with water bottles donning Maxson and Sylvia’s
image and messages from various members of the community and school.
The theme of Maxson’s comments throughout the event were student-centered,
focusing on the compassion on campus and the mutual respect students and
faculty have for each other.
“
My motivation to come to this campus everyday are the students,” Maxson
said.
The event kicked off with the 30- member Long Beach State Pep Band playing
tunes in the plaza while hundreds of students and others awaited Maxson’s
arrival.
Shortly after 2 p.m. Maxson, with his wife by his side, headed down the stairs
of Brotman Hall from his office toward the fountain plaza. The crowd greeted
the couple with roars of applause, cheers and music.
Maxson directed his remarks toward the students present in the crowd, telling
them what he believed the new president should focus on in order to be successful.
“
If you always put students first, if you always say, ‘What about the students,
how does this affect the students?’ you can’t fail
as president,” Maxson said.
Following Maxson’s remarks, Jamie Pollock, Associated Students, Inc.
president, introduced some of the ASI presidents who have served over the
past 10 years,
in a tribute to Maxson.
A procession then followed him and his wife from Brotman Hall to The Walter
Pyramid. Students following the president were heard across campus cheering, “Hey,
hey, what do you say? We love Maxson!”
“
It’s amazing,” Sylvia Maxson said as she was walking toward The Walter
Pyramid with her husband. “This is very much appreciated.”
As Maxson arrived at The Walter Pyramid, hundreds of students lined the ramp
toward the entrance to welcome him.
Inside The Walter Pyramid the official farewell ceremony kicked off, emceed by
Douglas Robinson, vice president of Student Services.
California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed described Maxson as someone
who gave out more high-fives than anyone he has ever known.
“
Bob Maxson is not just about high-fives, he inspires people to want to make CSULB
a better place,” Reed said. “I hope he can inspire a new generation
of educational leaders.”
Margaret Merryfield, chairwoman of the Academic Senate, then joked about a revelation
she had after noticing how much Beach Pride memorabilia she had accumulated over
the years.
“
I, a rational scientist, had realized I joined a cult,” Merryfield
said. “Count yourselves blessed to have been a part of the Beach under
Bob Maxson’s leadership.”
Gary Reichard, CSULB provost and presidential candidate, announced the fountain
plaza by Brotman Hall would be
officially renamed Maxson Plaza, designated by
a plaque in honor of Maxson’s 11 years at CSULB.
He also told the crowd how State University Drive would be renamed Beach
Drive, and joked about how appropriate it would be for students 50 years
from now
to say, “I’ll meet you at Maxson Plaza on Beach Drive.”
The most heartfelt part of the ceremony came when Maxson addressed those in attendance
and received a standing ovation.
Maxson thanked Beverly O’Neill, the mayor of Long Beach, for the honor
of serving under her, and Reed for his leadership and dedication to education.
He then spoke about how he intended to enjoy retirement with his wife.
“
We expect to climb every trail and mountain in the Pacific Northwest,” Maxson
said.
Following Maxson’s farewell address a tribute video, narrated by Karl Anatol,
was played, highlighting Maxson’s educational career and accomplishments
at CSULB.
“
Sylvia and I saved the best for last,” Maxson said. “What a wonderful
place to end long careers before you start new adventures. You guys have
been so kind and so sweet and we never take that for granted.”
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