Cecilia O’Neil

1957-1959

Cecilia O’Neil was installed as president of CalRTA by NRTA President Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who charged her with three P’s – presiding, policy, and promotion.  She not only worked on the P’s, but also strengthened each local division as she travelled around the state with her characteristic vigor and enthusiasm.

Some of her many contributions to CalRTA were the formation of seven new divisions, increasing the membership from 9,000 to 12,000, completing the Colombia School project begun by Charles Preston, arranging with CalSTRS for warrants to be mailed on the first of the month, securing lists of retirees from CalSTRS annually, instituting an optional $30 Life Membership in CalRTA, encouraging division recruitment of new retiree members, and improving relations with active teachers, especially through CTA.

As NRTA President, Cecilia was in the forefront of creating a position of leadership among retired persons along with AARP. Arranging for it to become an associate organization, a separate entity, but sharing staff in matters such as legislation, drug services, insurance, travel, and many other areas.  She was involved in the White House Conference on Aging in 1971, and she was there to see that the conference set up a definite program of needed improvements for older citizens.  After the end of her term as national president, she remained a frontline presenter, speaking for older Americans across the nation.

Perhaps her greatest contribution to all of us was her inspirational leadership, which cannot be evaluated by concrete facts and figures.  Because of this dynamic leader, CalRTA has left an enduring footprint.

During the early years some names appear that are worthy of mention. Stella Thompson from Glendale did an excellent job in the public relations field.  Arthur M. Brown served as financial secretary all through the formative years.  He kept the association’s records in shoe boxes, received and accounted for the fees, and made lists of the California Pioneer Teacher subscriptions.  He was a solid rock in the firm foundation of CalRTA.