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Joan Hoiness White, Staff

A picture of Joan Hoiness White

Joan Hoiness White, director of campus events, December 6, 2009, in Portland. Joan's career at Reed spanned almost 30 years. First hired as a secretary at the college in 1961, Joan accepted the position of campus events director three years later. She drew on her talents, ingenuity, and creativity to fulfill many roles surrounding an ever-growing number of events on campus and at the president's home in Eastmoreland, including commencement, lectures, concerts, and receptions. She managed all aspects of audio-visual equipment, learned calligraphy for campus signage, catered meals, and created beautiful floral arrangements. Over many years she employed hundreds of Reed students and instilled a work ethic and attention to detail. Joan was a Master Gardener who always enjoyed talking about plants with others. During Reunions 2009, Tom Blenko '79, Jim Coddington '74, Jan Liss '74, and Becky Rach '79 met with Joan at her home. Later, Tom and Becky drove Joan to Reed. She had not been on campus for more than 20 years and was apprehensive about going. Tom said that Joan enjoyed herself greatly, “both recalling memories and taking a keen interest in the many changes that were visible throughout the campus." In February, Reed president emeritus Paul Bragdon and his wife, Nancy, held a small gathering in honor of Joan at their home. Guest included faculty members Leila Falk and Ottomar Rudolf; staff members Lois Hobbes, Beverly Curtis, Nicky Larson, Debbie Martson, and Ineke Steele; and alumni Jim Coddington '74, Jan Liss '74, and Monique Siu '74, who had worked for Joan at Reed. The group shared warm and humorous memories of a multitalented woman who will be remembered by generations of community members as a Reed treasure. Survivors include her daughter and two sons, two grandchildren, and a brother.

Appeared in Reed magazine: June 2010

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