In September, 1949, Dr. Philip J. Schlessinger, Professor Emeritus-American Government,
walked onto the LACC campus and began to teach a class in Political Science. Forty-nine years
later he is still teaching a class in Political Science at LACC.
    In the interim he hasn't just been a teacher but has practiced what he teaches. He has been
around the world 3 times and has run for state assembly several times. The last time, in 1958, he
only lost by 190 votes. He was an unpaid lobbyist in Sacramento and helped get several important bills
passed that have benefited the school. His most important effort was in 1968, getting the L.A. Community College District separated from the L.A. Unified School Board.
    Schlessinger has written several fascinating stories of the passing scene at LACC. In them he
pokes fun at himself. "All through the years, I was known to give dramatic presentations to the class with a voice several decibels higher than usual. It was not uncommon for instructors to
shut their doors and windows, during the warm days, to prevent me from teaching three or four
classes at once. Charles W. Trigg (1938-1963) Dean of Instruction told me before I went off on
my first sabbatical in 1961 that he'd know if I was carrying out my sabbatical assignment because no matter what country I happened to be in, he would hear me. This oratorical reputation has never left me but at least students don't fall asleep in my classes."
    He mentions the campus riots over Viet Nam and how this turmoil caused a "beefed up"
security at LACC which led to picture identity card. "The carefree feeling and movement
around the campus of yesteryear," he said, "is gone, probably never to return. In fact there is
likely to be a more restrictive atmosphere as the years roll by"
    He received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. from
USC. "When I was a student at the University of Minnesota," he said, "I always hoped there
should be schools where money, social position, and political advantage would not matter
whether one could obtain a higher education. I am proud to work at City College because it is just such a school. There is no predetermined basis other than the students own ability and conduct of his own personal life. He gets his chance regardless of race, creed, color or wealth.
    Schlessinger is a young looking 85 year old. He concluded his interview with, "I plan on
being around for a few more years." As he has been doing the thing he loves the most during
most of his years, no doubt his voice will echo down the hall of Jefferson Hall for many years
to come.