Emeritus is pleased to announce the release and celebration of the 30th anniversary ofEmeritus Chronicles, an annual journal presenting stories and poems written by students in Emeritus classes.

To mark the anniversary, a free, live Zoom Virtual Launch Event featuring readings by Emeritus authors — and hosted by SMC Emeritus creative writing instructor Monona Wali with Interim Dean of Noncredit and External Programs Dr. Scott Silverman — will be held online from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 22. A link at smc.edu/emeritus-events takes guests directly to the online event, where author readings will start at 5 p.m.

"The Emeritus Chronicles is a journey through the lived experiences of Emeritus students," said Silverman. "It is a moving experience."

In the introduction to this year’s edition, Wali writes:

Thirty years of Chronicles! It’s such a pleasure to present this latest issue of stories and poems by students from four different SMC Emeritus writing classes. This year, marked by more extremes than many of us have experienced in our lifetimes, has made us hungry to connect with each other, eager to understand what makes each of us tick. Normalcy, what is it after a year spent “sheltering in place” and watching protests over the murder of George Floyd on television, and then the anxiety of the presidential election? Maybe it’s just human beings living their lives with grace and determination. That’s what these stories represent to me. Wonderfully embroidered here in words and language are the struggles, the traumas, the joys, and the bizarre moments of transcendence that make up all our lives. Make yourself cozy, and be prepared for stories and poems that blast you into a brighter 2021!

Once again, Chronicles was produced by the students enrolled in the “Writing for Publication” class. Students peer-reviewed each other’s work, edited and proofread it over 10 weeks. They gained first-hand knowledge of the hard work it takes to put a journal together. It was a pleasure working with them to produce this edition. Thanks to Ana Reyes and Robert Fox for their teaching of the autobiography and writing classes, thanks to Dr. Scott Silverman, Interim Dean of Noncredit and External Programs, and to Santa Monica College for their continuing support of this journal, and thanks most of all to the writers who have so bravely and generously shared their stories and poems.

Copies of Emeritus Chronicles will be available for purchase — while supplies last — through the Emeritus Chronicles link at smc.edu/emeritus-events.The cost is $10 per copy.

SMC’s widely praised Emeritus program — founded by Santa Monica College in 1975 as a noncredit program to serve the lifelong learning interests of older adults — offers more than 120 noncredit adult education classes and special programs that serve more than 3,000 students each year.