5 November, 2021 | 2 min read

Never Turn Down an Opportunity to Learn

by Noah Dolce, Victory High School Advanced Placement Student

Eskaton Village CarmichaelDr. Gordon Marshall is a very accomplished man with multiple PhDs in Education and Psychology as well as a degree playing the clarinet. He grew up in a blue collar family in Baltimore, Maryland. By the young age of 15, he was showing off his musical talent. At 19, he was accepted to three prestigious schools: Oberlin, Eastman School of Music and Julliard. Gordon is a composer and musician. He wrote pieces for many jazz bands and musicians, as well as performed for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower. Gordon also taught music at American University and Mills College.

Having accomplished so much in his life, and now living at Eskaton Village Carmichael, Gordon is still doing what he loves. He is able to write music in his apartment with his wife of 7 years, whom he met at Eskaton. Eskaton gives individuals the opportunity to do what they love while accommodating their needs and providing food, cleaning services, and activities for all the residents. “My favorite part about living here is the staff accommodation," says Gordon, age 87. "They make you feel worthwhile.”

Gordon also loves to learn. “If I could teach you one thing, it would be to never turn down an opportunity to learn.” It is that determination that helped and is helping Gordon be so successful in life. Thank you Gordon, for your positive influence in this world, for teaching so many people, and for furthering the success of and inspiring future generations.

Watch Gordon's video.