Alan and Sheila Lamson have lived in Pasadena since 1968 when Alan was offered the role of professor in the English Department at Pasadena Community College. “I was lucky enough to teach there for 36 years,” said Alan. “It was a wonderful experience, and I love running into my former students in town.”
“Alan and I quickly fell in love with Pasadena,” said Sheila. “It’s grown a great deal, but it still has a small community feel. We have been here so long that I still remember driving to Westwood to find a decent place to eat; and it only took 15 minutes to drive there!”
Alan and Sheila are both actively involved in the community. Alan is on the board of the PCC Retirees’ Association, which raises funds for returning students. For many years, Sheila served on the Board of A Noise Within, which produces world class performances of classical theater and runs a remarkable education program. “We are grateful for what we have at this stage of our lives, and it’s important to give back” said Sheila.
The couple’s accountant suggested they meet with the Pasadena Community Foundation. “PCF was the perfect match for us because they are experts at helping people give back to the local community,” said Alan. In 2015, they set up a donor advised fund at PCF. This fund provides a vehicle for annual support of local charities they care about such as A Noise Within, the Pasadena Humane Society, the Flintridge Center, the Pasadena Library, and the PCC Scholarship Fund.