By Susan Beers, Dean of Physical Education

The power of personal connection can't be overestimated when it comes to assisting a benefactor who wants to do good. We at Fullerton College have enjoyed an enduring relationship with Fullerton philanthropists Adolf and Virginia Schoepe, and it has benefited everyone who uses our physical education facilities.

The Schoepe's affiliation with Fullerton began in 197 1. Mrs. Schoepe enrolled in her first physical education class that year; since then she has taken almost every class we offer. These days she audits classes, since she has far exceeded her repeatability!

Mr. Schoepe was a valued benefactor of the college for many years. While not as active at the college as his wife, Mr. Schoepe came in for physical therapy.

When budget cuts hit Fullerton in the early 1990s, our physical education facilities were near the bottom of the list for renovation and maintenance. Mrs. Schoep, feeling that she had a vested interest in helping the college, kindly offered a donation to replace the tattered windscreens around our outdoor tennis courts. That was followed by a donation to buy much needed weight equipment for our strength lab.

In 1992, Mrs. Schoepe, then 77, began a workout regimen under the direction of Jeff Jesperson, who teaches the principles of personal training here. His effectiveness in meeting her needs has had a direct bearing on the Schoepe's continuing interest in helping us upgrade our facilities. "Virginia has been a wonderful example to all as a human being dedicated to health and fitness," he says. 'And Adolf always supported Virginia and these values. They never asked for or sought any type of recognition. The Schoepes have truly been friends of the college and the community."

The college was still struggling with budget restrictions. Our temporary wellness facility, besides being small and underequipped, had no restrooms. After working out Mrs. Schoepe and other women had to leave the facility and walk to the women's locker room to use one. Mrs. Schoepe told me she wanted to donate money to build restrooms for the facility, but after we had some conversations
exploring the subject she and Mr. Schoepe were persuaded that.what the college really needed was an entirely new facility.

Mr. Schoepe pledged $400,000 to build the Virginia Schoepe Wellness Center, which opened in August 1999. Located on the southwest side of campus and attached to the building housing the women's locker room, the 4,100 square foot facility houses treadmills, step machines, exercise bikes, free climbers, weight machines, dumbbells, a body assessment and a bodyfat composition room and an instructional classroom and restrooms!

Mr. Schoepe, a longtime resident of Fullerton, then pledged to us another $400,000 this summer to renovate a part of the men's locker room. Named the Adolf Schoepe Strength Laboratory, it should open this fall. We only wish Adolf was here to see that dream become reality.

People give to people and by that I mean not just money, but time and understanding. We are all so glad, now that Mr. Schoepe is gone, that we took an opportunity to honor both the Schoepes and their 'people to people' ethic earlier this year.

"Virginia and Adolf are wonderful people who, in their quiet, unassuming way, have made a real difference to Fullerton College. Honoring them as 'Friends of Fullerton College' at our commencement exercise this year was the least we could do to recognize their generosity to the college," says President Michael Viera.