Cerritos Community College announces the retirement of speech instructor, Max L. Freifield after 32 years of wonderful service and inspiration.

Freifield has declared that this semester will be his last. “As soon as May comes, I’ll be out of here.” Freifield said. “I just hope that I have enough time ahead to do the things that I want to do,” said Freifield. “If I do, I would have been a very happy contented person.”

In 1959, before Freifield started teaching, he worked part-time in film studios for seven years where he was a dialogue coach and ran Teleprompters.

During this time he worked on several television series, one being the “Twilight Zone.” He also worked on films such as the original “Ocean’s Eleven” with Frank Sinatra.

At the same time, he worked on many commercials and with big names like Bob Hope, Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney.

Before coming to Cerritos College, Freifield taught at high schools for numerous of years where he was in charge of ASB and taught subjects such as speech, leadership, history, and government.

He first taught at Don Bosco Tech from 1961-1971. After that he transferred to La Habra High School and continued teaching there up until 1980.

Freifield was first hired at Cerritos College in 1971 and worked 18 years part-time before he was actually hired for a full-time position in 1989.

Prior to working full-time, he taught political science and speech. During this time, in 1971, he was appointed Director of speech and debate and sustained his title for 24 years.

Another title that he’s maintained is Advisor of Phi Theta Kappa, which is the International Honors Society of two-year College. He has held this position ever since the organization was first established at Cerritos College.

President of Phi Theta Kappa, Devi Phat, describes Freifield as outspoken, a friend and mentor. “He gets his job done and is very responsible as to being the advisor of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Phat. “I’m grateful; it’s hard to find a good advisor.”

Phat pointed out that Freifield will host the Honors Society in a workshop on Apr. 3, in Anaheim for an International Convention. “Due to his leadership, it is the first time Phi Theata Kappa is being recognized,” said Phat. “It’s really sad that he’s leaving.”

Freifield stated that he has enjoyed the teaching too much to have retired any earlier.

He believes that he is retiring late compared to most people. “They made it so enticing for me (to retire) this year because of the golden handshake,” Freifield said.

“We’re (teachers) getting a six percent increase on our retirement if we retire this year, now, why wouldn’t I do that?”

After he has retired, he explained how excited he is to travel, play golf, and do some writing. “You know, do all that good stuff while I can still walk,” said Freifield.

He is interested in writing a book about when he worked in the studios, and is planning on joining up with a friend to write a script for a movie.

Freilfield expressed that the people are what he will miss most at Cerritos. “The people are terrific; it’s a good place to work.” Freifield said. “And my dear little students, of course!” Grading papers and preparing lectures are definitely the things he won’t miss at Cerritos.

“Teaching here at Cerritos was a terrific experience and I think we have one of the best community colleges in the country,” Freifield said. “I would not change anything in terms of my teaching career.”