Elbert Segelhorst

We are saddened to learn that Professor Elbert Segelhorst passed away on September 5. His Golden Faculty Profile responses follow the memoriam below.

 

Elbert Segelhorst

October 15, 1931- September 5, 2018

Elbert W. Segelhorst was born in Thiensville, WI to Gustave and Adele Segelhorst. He graduated from Lutheran H.S. and Harris Teachers College in St. Louis, MO. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1956, he earned his masters degree from Washington University, St. Louis, and his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University, New York.

In 1960, he was united in marriage to Helena Hale in New York, NY. Together, they raised two sons, Charles and Steven.

Dr. Segelhorst began his 28 year teaching career in 1964 as professor of economics at Cal State Long Beach. During his tenure, he served as department chair and graduate advisor. Elbert also served as Planning Commissioner for the City of Long Beach and advocated for the preservation of historic neighborhoods. He served his congregation at First Lutheran Church in various capacities.

Elbert was a formally trained singer with a passion for classical music; he enjoyed performing with church choirs since childhood. He was an avid reader of a wide range of subjects. He was an aficionado of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age and stained glass windows. Influenced by his father, a naturalist, Elbert enjoyed camping and nature.

He was preceded in death by his father Gustave, mother Adele, and sisters Donna Crawford and Mary Ekholm. He is survived by Helena, his wife of 57 years. Additionally, he is survived by cherished sister, Jenny Anderson, son, Charles Segelhorst and his wife Susan, son, Steven Segelhorst and his wife Heidi, and grandchildren, Gretchen, William, Isabelle, Annika, and Thomas.

 

Golden Faculty Profile

I joined the staff at California State University Long Beach in 1963, as full Professor in the Economics Department until my retirement in 1992. I had the privilege of serving in variety of roles for the Department, including Chairman of Economics Department and head of Graduate Studies.  

I was working with Professor Werner Z. Hirsch at UCLA, helping him with a research project, focusing on the cost benefits of public education. I then wanted to begin my teaching profession and applied to Long Beach State, and found the situation more desirable there.

During my years as Department Chair, one fun memory is of end of year parties held for the students at the Soroptimist house. These parties were full of good food, good times and entertainment, which once included Long Beach City College student belly dancers.      

Other years I would take new graduates to a past student’s Thai restaurant for end of year celebrations. 

Another fond memory was a trip to Thailand with one of my graduate students and his wife to attend a family wedding. We were treated as honored guests. On that same trip, a dinner was given in my honor with several other students in attendance, where they spoke of the influence I had on them during there years at CSULB.

Within the Economics department I still keep in contact with Dr. Roy Anderson and Dr. Constantine Glezakos.

Since retiring, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel around Europe and Asia, experiencing amazing cultures and meeting interesting people. In addition to this, I have been involved in community groups focusing on historic preservation in the City of Long Beach. 

Respect. Respect for the Economics Department and the University on a national level. Long Beach was an excellent state college that was able to compete with national universities in terms of higher education and opportunities. The interpersonal connections made between professors and students was invaluable to making the college such a success.