The Moser Family - Four Generations of MJC Pirates

Inantha Johnson-Lyman

Our family’s MJC story starts with my maternal grandmother Inantha Johnson-Lyman attending in the late 1920’s when classes were first opened to women to take secretarial courses. Family life prevented completion but she later took coursework at UC Berkeley.

In 1976 my mother in-law, Emma Moser graduated at age 59 with a degree in Nutrition and worked in food service for Doctors Medical Center. The following year, 1977, I completed an AS Degree in Nursing and just celebrated 40 years in the nursing field.  My most memorable teacher, Lynn Hansen, who taught physiology, encouraged me to get through the nursing program. My career included 12 years in acute care settings and 28 with school health services for Head Start Preschools and private child care programs.  Currently I consult with child care program health and safety services in the Central Valley.

Emma Moser

My husband Ray Moser graduated in 1978 with a degree in Electronics, obtained his electrical contractor’s license and has operated his own business for 34 years, while serving 23 years in the Army National Guard retiring as a Sargeant Major.

In 1979 my mother, Marilyn Lyman Smith-Birt, enrolled and started working toward a degree in communications. She was a part of the MJC Speech Team that competed and won National Titles in 1979 & 80 under the direction of Jim Johnson. Sadly, during the fall of 1980 theater production of the “Lemming Condition” she was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in the spring of 1981.

Marilyn Lyman Smith-Birt

As a family we instilled a deep desire for educational, athletic and musical pursuits in our children.  Our oldest, Denise Moser, completed a B.A. in Medical Management from the University of Phoenix.  Our son Brian attended Stan State and now operates his own electrical business.

Two of our daughters are currently MJC employees.  Susan Moser-Rodgers attended MJC, dually enrolled at Stan State, and completed a B.S. in Wellness Management in 3.5 years.  She has been teaching fitness classes for 12 years at MJC.  Brenda Moser played volleyball for the Pirates for two years while completing agriculture studies.  She transferred to Stan State, getting a degree in Ag Economics, then received a Master’s in Coaching from Concordia University in Irvine.  Brenda’s love of volleyball has taken her from coaching at local high schools to operating a travel volleyball club and now serving as the Pirates head volleyball coach.

Left: Brenda Moser Right: Susan Moser-Rodgers

Living in the country near the MJC West Campus, we’ve watched the campus evolve into a beautiful site.  As our children grew up we would ride our bikes on the campus utilizing the exercise stations and visiting the many animals raised there.  Thank you for what the community college system has provided to our family…and the Central Valley.