• A new leader, a new millennium
• Alumni Profile: Myldred E. Jones, '29

Alumni Profile: Myldred E. Jones, '29

Home: Los Alamitos, Calif.

Born: Philadelphia, Penn.

Major: Sociology and Social Studies

Additional graduate work: Jones studied sociology and public administration at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles.

Other awards: Americana Woman of the Year, presented by the Cypress College Foundation in 1998; Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, Calif. in 1998; Pope John XXIII Award in 1995; Presidential Recognition Award for Community Service, presented by President Ronald Reagan in 1988; Woman of the Year Recognition Award, presented by the California State Legislature in 1987

Accomplishments: A retired Lt. Commander in the United States Navy, Jones was one of the first eight WAVES from California at the beginning of World War II. She served honorably in many capacities before retiring in 1959. Always a pacesetter, Jones was the first female faculty member at the Armed Forces Information School at Fort Slocum, N.Y., where she also served as liaison for the school to the United Nations. In addition, she has served as Naval Liaison to the American Red Cross. Upon retirement from the Navy, Jones became involved in addressing the health and housing problems of the homeless, poor and disenfranchised. She has been active in the civil rights movement, marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chevaz, and she has served as a Youth Affairs consultant to then Governor Reagan. At age 69, Jones sold her home and used the proceeds to contract for the purchase of a dwelling suitable to the needs of youngsters. With the help of several local business people, Jones founded Casa Youth Shelter, a non-denominational organization dedicated to providing shelter and intensive professional counseling for the residents and their families.

Current involvement: At age 90, Jones continues to work with Casa Youth Shelter, and she remains active in her church and Orange County, Calif. community.

Why you do what you do? “I remember when I was six or seven going to juvenile hall with my mother and seeing a child in a room with bars. I told my mother that I would never let that happen to a child. I feel God has been preparing me to work with young people all of my life. I grew up in a Christian family, and I was very involved in church. I’ve always prayed about what I should do, and I honestly believe God gave me the insight to do what I do.”

What do you like best about your work? “I’m living with teenagers and trying to give them insight into their lives, to help them find themselves and learn what God intends them be. You can see the results. It’s really exciting when you can get them interested in the social and economic issues that affect their lives. It makes a lasting impact.”

What do you dislike about your job? Nothing.

What role did Wittenberg play in your life? “I feel that Wittenberg played a very big part in my life — the teaching, the work in the school and the way I was involved there. I worked with teenagers out in the country when I was there, and my sorority, Beth Ayan, which is no longer there, was also involved with community work. Working for changes in youth in general has been a continuous path throughout my life, and my Wittenberg background had a lot to do with that.”

What was your defining moment at Wittenberg? “There was one teacher, Georgia McPherson, who very interested in economic and social issues and working with young people. She influenced me greatly.”