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Jo-Ann Perryman began her tenure at San Francisco State University more than three decades ago, a young bride who moved to the city from a small town in the Santa Cruz mountains as her husband enrolled in an undergraduate program in biology. Her first job was working the counter in the Cashier's Office but she quickly moved on to Financial Aid. By the late 1960s she landed in a small department working for whom she calls "an outstanding man." She found her home away from home in the Classics Department taking the reigns as department secretary and serving as the right-hand woman for Richard Trapp, the former chair and professor. "I've worked with so many wonderful people," said Perryman, now an academic office coordinator and selected as the STAR winner for January. "And I love working with the students and making a difference in their lives." Today, Perryman runs two departments -- Classics and Comparative and World Literature. With a total of 16 faculty members and nearly 100 students she is the face of the departments and the person who answers the phone, responds to e-mails, coordinates classes, helps order books, works closely with her counterparts in the College of Humanities and keeps the operation going. "She is the major reason that both departments score high marks for student service; she is the embodiment of 'user friendly,' always seeking ways to make life easier on campus for our students and faculty. Over the years she has introduced many department procedures that save time, effort and energy for our people," said Pamela Vaughn, department chair and professor. "She is a true partner in the work of the department, assisting the chair, faculty and students in every possible way. In her quiet way, she has been a stellar ambassador for the University and our departments. Everyone agrees that we would be lost without her." Perryman lives in Daly City with her husband of nearly 40 years, John, owner of a San Francisco-based upholstery and window treatment shop and also a part-time faculty member at City College of San Francisco, where he teaches human sexuality. The two are outdoor enthusiasts. With a weekend retreat in Tahoe City, the pair often spend weekends backpacking (she carries a 25-pound pack), back-country skiing, snow shoeing, swimming and walking. They also camp and recently acquired two llamas to help carry supplies to their destinations. "Our llamas Poncho and Leftie are so much easier to deal with than horses," she said. The Perrymans, along with several friends, are embarking on a major physical endurance challenge as they hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico. Currently, they are taking on the Sierras. They also have hiked and camped in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Yosemite, Canada, Alaska and Oregon. "It's wonderful to be secluded in the mountains," she said. "It's just so beautiful and relaxing." When the couple is in town they enjoy time with their two children and three grandchildren -- all living in the Bay Area. In her quiet time, Perryman likes to read, with mysteries topping her favorites list. Please join us in congratulating Jo-Ann and thank her for making such a difference. As the STAR of the Month, Perryman will enjoy four free lunches on campus, a free parking pass or equivalent in one month's public transportation costs, and more. She will also be eligible for the STAR of the Year award.
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