After graduating with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering, Alan headed to California, where he was immediately hired by Douglas Aircraft in El Segundo. Over the years Alan took advanced engineering courses at nite, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from USC and later took more classes at UCLA when space flights became important. When Alan finished his 40 year career with McDonald Douglas in 1989 he had attained the title of Director of System Analysis at the Long Beach facility.
Alan is putting his engineering expertise to work now as the "sound man" at their church. He is experimenting with new, state of the art “ mikes” for the pastor of St. Johns Lutheran Church on Los Berros.
Alan was a charter member of Black Lake Gyro and has held many offices here. Along the way, he served one term as Treasurer, two terms as Vice-President, and two terms as Chapter President. He and Mary Jane have attended many International Gyro conferences and conventions.
Born in Lansing, Michigan Mary Jane is 9 whole months older than Alan. She came to Manhattan Beach to visit one of her sisters and stayed. She also got a job at Douglas El Segundo and met Alan when they joined the same car pool. Mary Jane started as a secretary and ended up as an accountant. After she and Alan were married, she stayed home to raise their two boys. At present their sons live in Fresno. Greg, the oldest is an investigator for the DA’s office there. Greg has a son and a daughter. The younger son Dean manages a “Rent-to-Own” furniture store. When she has any spare time Mary Jane plays bridge and golf, and is active in the Alter Guild of their church.
Mary Jane and Alan have been married for 54 years. The Noll’s are planning a trip to Troy, N. Y. next week for Alan’s 55th Reunion from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. They will stop in Lansing, Michigan on the way home to visit Mary Jane's sister.
