Math is not the easiest subject to teach. But a Los Banos Campus of Merced College professor who recently retired developed ways to enable his students over three decades to learn and enjoy math.
Charlie Schlinger retired this year after teaching math for 30 years at the Los Banos Campus. Students knew him as a one-of-a-kind instructor who was able to connect with them as they worked through and completed math courses.
I first came to know Charlie when he was hired by Merced College, at a time when I worked for the college. I remember how much he impressed the hiring committee.
Some of the committee members felt he would stay only for a while at a community college before he moved on to a university. Fortunately, he stayed at Merced College.
Charlie has served at the Los Banos Campus under five deans–Anne Newins, Brenda Latham, Karyn Dower, Lonita Cordova and the current dean, Jessica Moran.
When I contacted these educators, I received from them good wishes for Charlie and kind words and fond memories.
“I was part of the team that hired Charlie,” said Anne Newins. “I could tell he was committed to teaching then, and he continued that commitment throughout his career.
“He was a good fit for Los Banos,” Anne added. “He loved the outdoors. He had an enormous passion for fly tying and fishing and would go on long distance trips to fish, even to Alaska.”
“Charlie devoted much time and attention,” Brenda Latham remembers, “to creating materials that help students learn. He was a very creative math professor.
“And he enjoyed interacting with students,” Brenda added. “Charlie was often seen sitting around a table with a group of students, offering assistance and further tutelage to any student who needed help.”
“Congratulations, Charlie,” Karyn Dower said. “I pray you will find many exciting and rewarding adventures in your retirement. Of course, nothing can compare to the exciting and rewarding adventures you had in your career at the Los Banos Campus of Merced College.
“I remember one event quite clearly. I had just started as the interim dean at the Los Banos Campus when it was located on Mercey Springs Road. I’m in my office, minding my own business, and I received a notification that you needed me in the lounge. I was so green I didn’t even know we had a student lounge on campus.
“It turns out,” Karyn continued, “you were giving an exam in the classroom next to the lounge. As your diligent students were trying desperately to focus on proving to their esteemed professor they were indeed focusing on the test, there came a chant, a very loud and methodical chant, through the walls, ‘Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!’
“Yes, Charlie, the Jerry Springer Show interrupted your testing period. And being the ultimate professional that you are, you kindly let me know you were done with Jerry and the T.V. in the next room. I went into the lounge and quieted the students so your students could concentrate.
“I like this story about you, Charlie, and I tell it because it shows, in fact, you are a champion for the students in your classroom.
“Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Los Banos Campus students. It is a ‘mathematical certainty’ that you have changed the lives of students because of your ability to teach math from basic levels up to transfer level mathematics and not just teach it, but have students succeed in learning a subject that can be difficult and frustrating for so many.
“So, Charlie,” Karyn concluded, “now that you’re retired, every night is Friday night. Enjoy the celebration and go make some noise!”
“Charlie was always student centered,” said Lonita Cordova, “and dedicated to student success. I was always impressed to see the time that he would spend assisting students in understanding math.
“I would walk by the conference room and see him providing 1:1 support with a student. I also appreciated his willingness to tutor in the library. I send my warm regards and wish Charlie the best of luck in retirement.”
“Charlie dedicated his years of teaching,” said Jessica Moran, “to make sure his students could conceptualize mathematics in their everyday life. He often brought hands-on visuals to reinforce topics.
“He also,” Jessica added, “frequently scheduled meetings with students outside of his regular office hours to remain flexible to their needs.”
Charlie not only impressed deans, he also impressed Sheila Langley, the administrative assistant to many of them for more than two decades.
“I was one of the first people to meet Charlie,” Sheila said. “It was the day he had his job interview. I had the pleasure of giving him a campus tour. During the tour he mentioned he didn’t believe he was going to get the job because he felt he didn’t do well at the interview. Charlie was very surprised when Dr. Spevak called him and offered him the job.
“Charlie always had time to help students that were having problems in his class. He cared about his students and wanted them to succeed. He always told his students to read their test before starting.
“Once a semester,” Sheila recalled, “he would give a test that at the end was written: If you read this you do not have to take this test. You would be surprised at how many took the test.
“I am so glad that Charlie was hired! We have become very good friends. We have gone to at least 120 concerts together in the last 30 years, from AC/DC to Willie Nelson. I call him my concert buddy.
“Now that he is retired,” Sheila added, “he has even started teaching a Bible study class at his local church. Charlie loves teaching.
“I wish Charlie a long life with his lovely wife Pauline and a fun retirement. When is our next concert, Charlie? Your lifelong friend, Sheila.”
Charlie Schlinger worked long and hard at teaching math, simply because he liked math, he liked teaching, and most of all he wanted his students to succeed.
Professor Schlinger should enjoy his retirement with satisfaction, knowing that he gave his all to his students and along the way made many friends among his colleagues.
John Spevak’s email is john.spevak@gail.com
