The gerontology legend returns to USC
By Jonathan Riggs
Dr. Jim Birren
Jim Birren celebrated his 93rd birthday in style, surrounded by faculty, staff and students of the USC Davis School of Gerontology and Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center. The founding dean of the School, founding director of the Center and one of the world’s most influential shapers of the field itself was honored with a special ceremony topped off with a cake and retrospective video.
Birren spoke about his gratitude and affection for the School and his many colleagues before discussing the importance of aging with an open heart and inquisitive mind.
“Change is the one constant,” he said. “If you plan on retiring when you’re 65-look at me, I’m 93-what are you going to do with the next thirty or so years? You have to stay curious.”
Birren has remained close to the School since his retirement, frequently teaching his Guided Autobiography courses.
“It was very special. The affection in the room was just palpable for him,” said Linda Broder, a longtime employee of the School whose tenure overlapped Birren’s. “He got people like Vern Bengtson and Tuck Finch, who have been with the Center this whole time, and he made this the place for studying aging. Jim Birren himself is an example of successful aging.”
