Donor Spotlight: Palmer Langdon

In 1952, a young man took an electronics class at LACC, taught by Professor Nathan Eisen. The young man found that his life and career path were changed forever after taking that class. Sixty-two years later, that young man, alumnus Palmer Langdon, decided to establish an endowed scholarship for computer technology students in honor of that professor who inspired him, by creating the Nathan Eisen Computer Technology Scholarship.

Professor Eisen taught electronics and physics at LACC from 1946 to 1974, and for two years in the early 1950s, taught Palmer the ins and outs of electronics. The professor guided Palmer toward a 63-year career in the electronics and computer technology sector.

Shortly after finishing his education at LACC in 1954 and finding employment, Palmer was drafted into the U.S. Navy where he served for 19 months as a radioman on the U.S.S. Orleck. Directly following his military service, Palmer returned to Los Angeles and continued his career in electronics. After the introduction of the computer in the 1970s, Palmer saw the ‘writing on the wall’ and decided to take classes in computer technology at his alma mater to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the new computer sector.

Today, Palmer is retired and volunteers every Tuesday at the Braille Institute to restore damaged or broken equipment sent in for repair. He gives back to the community by using the skills he acquired at LACC and honed throughout his lifelong career.

In addition to the creation of the Nathan Eisen Computer Technology Scholarship, Palmer has combined this gift with a planned gift, joining a distinguished list of emeriti and alumni in the William Henry Snyder Society, a special group of supporters who have established planned gifts at the LACC Foundation. The expansion of his endowed scholarship fund will ensure that the Computer Technology department and the LACC Foundation will be able to offer multiple and increasing levels of financial support to deserving LACC students.

If you have any questions regarding endowed scholarships or planned giving, please contact Carole Wenger, Director of Alumni Relations and Development at (323) 953-4011.