Returning to work after retirement may seem unusual to some, but continuing the love of her work was natural for Marian Weiser, a retired professor at Pierce College.
After more than 40 years of teaching at Pierce, Weiser retired in the fall 2012 semester, leaving behind a legacy surrounding her love of dance and art.
As a former chair of the Physical Education Department and chair of the Dance Department, Weiser still helps out a dance class with professor Jenny Ghiglia.
Dressed in an oversized pink T-shirt, tights and thick leg warmers, Weiser still remains flexible and active in her retirement and leaves others wondering how she does it.
“I think that’s why people ask my age, probably because they realize I’m flexible and strong and whatever.” said Weiser.
Weiser was raised in Wyoming, where she began learning dance at the age of 2, and has continued consistently since.
With her number of years and amount experience at Pierce, Weiser said that most of the dance students have grown to know her over the years.
“I really miss her. She taught me a lot about dancing and then she inspired me more to get into dancing,” said Janel Leuterio, a former student of Weiser.
Her colleagues have also experiencing Weiser’s liveliness and enthusiasm for work in teaching.
“Marian Weiser is a true educator in which she feels teachers should continue their education to where they expand continuously,” said Ghiglia.
Outside of the classroom, Weiser is now preparing to restart a dance company and volunteer more often in the community.
“I’m going to start it up again because when you have children, you don’t give a lot of extra time,” said Weiser.
Reflecting back on her career at Pierce, Weiser owes her success to her love of dance and teaching students with the same passion as her.
“All I wanted to do was dance, and that’s why I understand these kids. All they want to do is dance. They don’t care how they do it, when they do it, but they do want to dance,” said Weiser.
