The Foundation of Randy Shulman’s Education
Randy Shulman never lost sight of his alma mater and the role it played in helping him succeed.
After graduating high school in 1987, Randy wasn’t sure what he wanted in terms of his education. But when he enrolled at PCC later that year, everything changed.
“My experience at PCC is what set the foundation for my whole educational life,” he says. “I had to learn how to sit in a classroom and pay attention; I had to learn how to write a good English paper. Basically, I had to learn how to be a student, which was something I never mastered in high school.”
Taking advantage of PCC’s strong transfer options, Randy made his way to Cal Poly Pomona in 1990 where he studied urban and regional planning. He later earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.
“I had very good experiences at Cal Poly Pomona and USC,” Randy says, “but my success always goes back to PCC, where that foundation of basic skills was laid out for me.”
Today, Randy serves as the Vice President for Advancement and External Relations for The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Not surprisingly, Randy found himself back at PCC recently – back where it all began for him – as a student.
“About five years ago, I went back to PCC and took a two-part course in 18th century art history,” he says. “I got tired of bluffing my way through our Art Museum and talking about these artists without really knowing enough about them.”
“I had a great experience,” he adds. “PCC’s instructors are experts in their field, and I learned so much by going back.”
He chuckles, almost to himself. “Every time I move on from PCC, I find myself going back, grateful for its quality education and the impact it has on the community.”
Indeed, Randy is now signed up to be a scholarship reviewer for the Foundation. He looks forward to giving back to the institution that gave so much to him.