FOR A GOOD CAUSE -- CORDER WATTENBARGER

Angelique Flores

When Corder Wattenbarger was a little boy, his father told him he was

smart enough to be a college professor.

Though he opted for a career as chemist instead, the Huntington Beach

man now spends most of his time at Golden West College as a volunteer.

After retiring in 1986, 74-year-old Wattenbarger decided to donate his

time to the college, which is within walking distance from his home.”I

worked as a chemist for 31 years. I’m used to doing things, not sitting

around,” he said. “I wanted to find something else that I like.”

Five years ago, Wattenbarger enrolled in an astronomy class. He

noticed the number of students in his class plummeted from about 70 to 20

by the end of the semester.

“Young people don’t know how to study,” he said and decided to help

them learn. He has since been tutoring students and helping them refine

their study habits.

Over the past 15 years, Wattenbarger has tutored astronomy students,

volunteered at the library and tutored Vietnamese students with their

English. He spends about five hours a week at the college working without

pay.

“My reward is to see them smile and thank me,” he said. “The Lord’s

been good to me.”

As a member of the college’s Patrons Club, which raises money for

scholarships, he is one of four men in the club of 55 members. A few

years ago, he became the first male president of club.

Both his children attended Golden West. He started taking classes

himself about 22 years ago, some that helped in his career and some for

personal enrichment.

“I feel like I belong there,” he said. “It’s all an integrated part of

my life.”

Another big part of his life is his volunteer work at local

convalescent homes as an ombudsman. When he’s not mediating, he’s playing

hymns on the keyboard at the homes.

“That’s all I do. It’s all I have time for,” he said.