By Michele Bills

After 35 years of teaching for the same college, Sue Myers is retiring.

Myers, who began teaching for L-P-O Junior College in 1965 when it was housed at L-P High School, is the only person still on the IVCC staff from that time.

She received her B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado and her M.S. from Indiana University. When she started at L-P-O, her first teaching job, she taught physical education. About 15 years ago she moved into the classroom and began to teach health and wellness. She was the first IVCC softball coach in the 1970s, and she was one of the individuals responsible for starting the Educational Fitness Center.

Myers’ says she does not consider her retirement "early." She has put in the years of teaching to maximize her pension, and at age 57, she meets the age requirement for retirement. Her official retirement date is May 31, but she will be finished with her teaching duties at graduation.

As to what she is going to do with her time, she has many ideas.

"I’m looking forward to not having a schedule," she said, adding that she will play golf and tennis, go to her lake cottage in Galesburg, sleep in and read the morning Chicago Tribune at a leisurely pace.

"I will miss being in the classroom and the interaction with students," Myers said. "I enjoy teaching."

Although she will miss IVCC, she has noticed changes in the students and the school over the years. Overall, the students are still hardworking, but attendance is poor, she said.

She is proud that the college offers a wider variety of programs now, and pleased that people have become more concerned with wellness in recent years.

"There is a very positive attitude on campus from the faculty, staff and administration which I enjoy," Myers said.

"I am comfortable and I feel I made the right decision," she said. "My mother (a retired teacher) told me I would know when it was time. It’s time."