John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
For over five decades, Dr. Sarah S. Donaldson dedicated herself to Stanford Medicine's Department of Radiation Oncology, where she found fulfillment in academic medicine and treating pediatric cancer patients. Her decision to retire was challenging, as she described it as feeling like an "amputation" of something deeply cherished. Donaldson expressed the need for planning the transition into retirement, likening it to preparing for any significant life event.
Donaldson embraced her new phase by becoming a retirement coach with Stanford Medicine's New Beginning Program and joining various groups and organizations. She highlighted the importance of expanding one's social circle in retirement to avoid isolation.
This fall, Stanford Medicine launched the Senior Academy through its School of Medicine (SoM) and Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). The academy aims to support retired faculty like Donaldson by offering opportunities for continued engagement within the university community. Iris Litt, chair of the Emeriti/ae Council and associate dean for senior faculty at SoM, emphasized the value of sharing experiences among retired faculty.
The Senior Academy is part of the New Beginnings Program created to address senior faculty's needs during their transition. It offers avenues for learning, teaching, mentoring, and maintaining professional connections. Retired faculty are seen as valuable resources for mentorship and networking.
Frank M. Longo, a member of the academy’s advisory committee, noted that understanding post-retirement pathways can be complex but beneficial for both faculty and the university. He pointed out that being in Silicon Valley provides an innovative environment conducive to continued involvement.
The academy collaborates with university organizations like Continuing Studies and partnered with the Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute (DCI) this summer on a speaker series aimed at building community among DCI Fellows and retired faculty.
Linda Boxer, Vice Dean at SoM, stated that surveys revealed a strong desire among retired faculty for ongoing connection with Stanford. Many senior faculty hesitate to discuss retirement due to concerns about exclusion from future activities. Boxer hopes the Senior Academy will change this culture by encouraging early consideration of retirement plans.
The launch reflects an evolving understanding of faculty needs since Stanford's founding when lifespans were shorter. Litt sees potential for other schools at Stanford to replicate this model based on survey data from senior and emeriti faculty.
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