Gary R. Gruber Ph.d.

Seven Decades: a Learning Memoir Gary R. Gruber Ph.d. 1st edition

This memoir highlights some personal and significant learning experiences over the past seventy years, lifting these moments from each decade beginning in the 1940's. From World War II right up through the most recent decade, the author describes some of the experiences that have influenced, shaped and changed him. As an educator devoted to the pursuit and practice of lifelong learning, Dr Gruber is still at work helping others to pursue their own learning and development, whether as leaders of schools, or as teachers, parents or community activists. As someone committed to organizational development and school reform, Dr. Gruber is a proponent of planned change. He believes that one of the critical variables in the success equation is a "purposeful shared vision." It is evident to him that the Biblical precept in the Book of Proverbs had it right. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." For individuals and institutions to succeed and thrive over time, change is not only a prerequisite, it is an essential characteristic. Change is inevitable. The question is what kind of change would you like? What can you learn that will enable and empower the kind of change you want and who will you be as a result? "Our journey as lifelong learners reveals who we are as human beings, not simply human doings. When we speak of passion and purpose beyond ourselves, we need to know what the implications are and how we can realize more of our humanity, our own individual and collective purpose. I believe that this realization has enormous power to effect growth the is real and lasting." Preface p. vii