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BY CAROLE GARVIN

Staff Writer

raduating from college is a
significant event in one's life.
But it has even greater im-
portance for Louis Ellman of
Oak Park. He recently
graduated from Mercy College at age
70, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
psychology.
Ellman is the oldest graduate in
Mercy's history. But he has never let
his age interfere with his participa-
tion in campus activities.
Prior to college, Ellman worked
as an operations manager in the
sheet and metal fabricating industry
until his retirement in 1974, when
the company he worked for was sold.
Retirement did not last, however. He
soon found himself working as a
career counselor. "When I retired, it
was just too early. I was driving my-
self and my wife nuts. I went into
career counseling because someone
made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
He also decided on a part-time
college career, taking courses at
Oakland Community College. "I was
always envious of college graduates,"
he said, and after I put my wife and
two children through I decided it
was my turn."
Twelve years ago, society was
not as accepting of older students
and when Ellman returned to school,
at age 58, he was quite nervous. But
his first paper for English class
eased his mind. Entitled "Can A
Middle Age Man Find Happiness on
the College Scene," the essay was
printed in the OCC newspaper. "I
saw that it did not make a difference
that I was older than the average
student," Ellman said, and that
there was nothing to be scared or
worried about."
Initially, "I went to OCC be-
cause I thought I should get an edu-
cation for self-improvement and then
I became interested in psychology
because I saw where it could help
me in career counseling. After I took
all the classes that were available in
sociology and psychology, I trans-
ferred to Mercy College."
That occurred in 1980, where he
continued at night school until his
retirement from his counseling posi-
tion last August. "I left so that I
could go to school during the day
and be involved," he explained. "At
age 70, I can't say that it was a
tough decision. Frankly, I was look-
ing forward to it."
At first, Ellman felt that he
would have to prove himself to pro-

Bill Pugliano

G

Age would not
keep Louis Ellman
from a college
education

fessors and students and maintain
higher grades. "I was afraid that if I
received a 'C' the other students
would make remarks, but they never
did."
Soon Ellman was deeply im-
mersed in campus life. He started
volunteering in Mercy's Career
Planning and Placement Office as a
counselor, using his job experience.
He helps students prepare job re-
sumes and helps prepare them for
interviews by coaching them," Dr.
Carol Weisfeld, Ellman's faculty ad-
viser explained. "When someone
wants help, there is a slogan around
campus: 'Go See Lou.' He is very
good with older people who are not
sure if they will succeed in college.
He encourages them and he's an
ideal person to do that."
Ellman was president last year
of Psi Chi, a psychology honor
society. He wrote a column and
acted as business manager for the
Mercy College student newspaper
and he also organized several social
activities, including luncheons for
Psi Chi and guest speakers for
Mercy studentS. "I love the school
and students and I wanted to be of
some help. It also gave me positive
feedback. Practically everyone on
campus knew who I was because of
my activities," he said.
With his busy schedule, Ellman
has been singled out for several hon-
ors. The Outstanding Senior and
Kappa Gamma awards were pre-
sented to him for his high scholastic
standing, campus activities • and vol-
unteer work. He is also listed in this
year's edition of Who's Who in
American Universities and Colleges.
"I feel honored and proud that some-
one has recognized my activities to
the college," he said.
Ellman never experienced dis-
crimination or anti-Semitism at
Mercy, a small Catholic school.
"There are 2,500 students and it is
the friendliest institution I have
ever been in contact with. The
classes are small and I receive a lot
of attention."
Last month he turned in his ap-
plication for Mercy's Master's degree
program in clinical psychology. "I'm
interested in the program because
my daughter and niece are in the
field of clinical psychology and this
kind of education will help me be a
better counselor."
Ellman is planning his im-

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