By Matt Entwistle
IV Leader Staff
Gil Meyer, who has been a teacher at IVCC for 27 years, is retiring at the end of the spring semester.
| Meyer
gets psyched for retirement
By Matt Entwistle Gil Meyer, who has been a teacher at IVCC for 27 years, is retiring at the end of the spring semester. |
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| 1980 | 2002 |
Meyer spent nearly his entire academic career at Illinois State University where he earned both a B.S. and a M.S. in psychology. Later he earned an additional 60 hours at ISU, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois in the field of Human Sexuality and general psychology.
While working on his masters, Meyer taught at Marseilles High School for six years along with coaching basketball.
In 1975, Meyer started at IVCC teaching psychology and human sexuality classes, which he taught through his entire career at the college. He also coached basketball at IVCC for six years.
An active member of the American Federation of Teachers, local 1810, he was union President for eight years.
In 1987, he received an IVCC Merit Award.
He served on the Deer Park School Board for six years and has been on the Ottawa High School Board for the last 12 years.
The most noticeable change he has seen over his 27 years at IVCC is the technology. “I am amazed how fast we got up to speed with computers,” he said. “Every teacher got access to a computer and classrooms were technologically equipped in a hurry.”
After his retirement Meyer still plans to teach a couple days a week.
“It's hard to imagine ‘de-toxing’ from education. Education is my life.” Meyer added, “I’m going to play golf, travel, and enjoy myself.”
Meyer is the father of three sons all of whom are “growing up.” This summer his eldest son is expecting a baby along with the middle son getting married. Meyer’s youngest son is currently enrolled at ISU where he is studying computers.
Humor is a must in Meyer’s classes. Nick Blacklaw, one of Meyer’s students said, “He makes class fun and makes you laugh. It is one of the only classes I have looked forward to every week in my time at IV.”
Lori Skroggs, former chair of the Social Science division, recalled the six years she worked with Meyer.
“I remember his relentless sense of humor and his ability to get away with saying things in such a way that others could not.” “He’s a great class instructor.” Skoggs said.
At the end of this interview Meyer said, “Make me look good, your grade depends on it!”
Saying that his time at IVCC has been very enjoyable, he added: “The students were all good kids and fun to teach. This made the time go fast because I was having fun.”