In May 2024, three beloved CBA faculty members bid farewell to the bluff. We congratulate Arthur Gross-Schaefer, Chun Lee, and Richard Minot on their accomplished careers at LMU and wish them well in retirement. Check out their exit interviews below.
Arthur Gross-Schaefer, J.D.
Professor of Marketing and Business Law
Arthur Gross-Schaefer joined LMU in 1978 and served as chair and co-chair of the Department of Marketing and Business Law. He is past president of the Pacific Southwest Academy of Legal Studies, a representative to the National Conference of the Pacific Southwest Region of Reform Rabbis, and a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
What will you miss most about LMU?
1) The thrill, the challenge, and sometimes the terror of creating a new class. I simply loved teaching and trying new ideas to excite and motivate students. 2) Learning from my students. When I truly listened to my students and heard their stories, I realized they were on the same journey as I was – how to grow, how to be compassionate, and how to wake up in the morning excited to see what the day brings. 3) The peace garden above the Drollinger Parking lot dedicated to my son, Avi, who was killed by a drunk driver. That beautiful garden symbolizes that we have much to learn from each other, to listen to each other’s stories, and to create a way for civil dialogue and understanding.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments during your LMU career?
Creating brochures in various languages to help new immigrants, DACA students, and undocumented immigrants; planning conferences for priests and other clergy around issues of sexual misconduct; developing the first business ethics program; helping Peace Corps alumni receive scholarships for an LMU MBA; creating a Jewish student organization 40 years ago; first faculty advisor for a Muslim student organization; teaching in Bonn, Germany twice; writing three murder mysteries that focus on the need to learn about and respect other people and their religious traditions; the creation of the LMU Peace Garden; running, with my wife and others, the Avi Schaefer Fund that reached out annually to college campuses to bring Muslim and Jews, Pro-Israelis, and Pro-Palestinians together as well as programs and workshops in Israel with Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
What are your plans for retirement?
I’m still a rabbi for a small congregation in Santa Barbara. There is a book tour being planned for my latest murder mystery, “The Rabbi Wore a Collar.” There is much work to be done to help repair this world through interfaith activities. I also have a new grandson on the way!
Anything else you’d like to say?
The adage I used as the foundation for my teaching philosophy: I learned a lot from my teachers, I learned more from my colleagues, but I learned the most from my students. Thank you, LMU, for the many honors, the opportunity to try new things, and for supporting me in my endeavors. Simply put, I will always honor and be proud of being part of the LMU community.
Chun Lee, Ph.D.
Professor of Finance
Chun Lee is a Fulbright Scholar who joined LMU in 2001. Lee previously taught at Texas Southern University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and the University of Waikato (New Zealand). He is a member of the Financial Management Association, Southern Finance Association, Southwestern Finance Association, and National Investor Relations Institute.
What will you miss most about LMU?
Working out at the Burns Rec Center before starting the day’s work.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments during your LMU career?
On average, one peer-reviewed article per year.
What are your plans for retirement?
Enjoy life: windsurfing whenever the wind is blowing and being outdoors whenever the sun is shining.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Work hard and play harder.
Richard Minot
Clinical Assistant Professor of Accounting
Richard Minot joined LMU in 2017 after teaching at Cal State San Marcos and UC Irvine. He is a CPA and president of Minot Accountancy Corporation.
What will you miss most about LMU?
I will miss the students and the intellectual enthusiasm I have when I’m with them, as well as a number of faculty members I’ve developed relationships with over the years.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments during your LMU career?
I’d say my 30-year teaching career. It’s really all about the students. I am still in touch with a number of students from way back. It’s so fulfilling to see their successes. I would like to think in some small way I impacted them and made a difference.
What are your plans for retirement?
Retirement is a big word. I will definitely travel a bit and live overseas for a while. I’m kind of like Peter Pan – I don’t want to grow up so I’m still trying to decide what I’m going to do when I grow up.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Yes, have fun and don’t think that you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Stop to smell the roses along the way. And, sometimes, just stop and say hi to a stranger. You never know what is going on with them and you just might make their day and your day better for the experience.