File photo by Albert Lares

Allison Farole
Staff Writer

Jan Snow, former assistant dean of the School of Continuing Education, died on Sept. 28 of stomach cancer while in Vancouver, Wash.

Originally from Marin County, Mrs. Snow became active in the University of La Verne community in 1982.

She started off as an adviser under Henry Hood and eventually worked her way up the ladder to become the assistant dean for the School of Continuing Education, now known as the Regional Campus Administration (RCA).

Mrs. Snow worked as the utility player between the main campus and the eight regional campuses.

According to Stephen Lesniak, dean of RCA, said Mrs. Snow worked well with people and kept the feeling of family alive in La Verne.

“[Mrs. Snow] would stride into every room and greet everyone,” Lesniak said. “[She] was good at connecting and networking with people.”

As a co-worker Mrs. Snow was known to some as opinionated; however, her thoughts always came from experience and knowledge.

“Jan was a strong administrator and mentor,” said Ruby Montaño-Cordova, associate dean of student affairs. “She was one I could turn to professionally and personally.”

To her friends and colleagues she was strong on the outside, yet soft on the inside.

Mrs. Snow had a heart of gold. She was always there for her friends and colleagues.

One major part of her ULV life was her involvement in the stand for women’s rights on campus.

In the mid 1980s Mrs. Snow; Montaño-Cordova; Nancy Brandt; Peggy Redman, professor of education; and Adeline Cardenas-Clague, dean of academic support and retention services, started a group known as the Wolves.

In this group they lobbied for women leadership roles around campus.

“[Jan Snow was] not afraid to push for institutional change,” Redman said. “[She] was not worried about her image.”

Through their shared feelings, these women became great friends. They would go on retreats to Palm Springs, Newport Beach, Tom’s Farms and many more.

To this day the members of the Wolves still get together for outings and business talks about the University.

When Mrs. Snow retired in 2000, she was awarded Administrator Emerita.

Once retired, her life was full of traveling adventures and time spent with her family.

“Intellectually you prepare but it hits you like you didn’t know; [it is] a pretty emotional time,” Montaño-Cordova said.

Mrs. Snow is survived by her husband Rick, her two children Eric and Judy, and her grandchildren Ben and Sarah.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the Dailey Theatre.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Snow asked that donations be made to her favorite charities: the Jan Snow Scholarship Fund and Rails-To-Trails Conservancy.

The Jan Snow Scholarship Fund at ULV will go to a non-traditional student who is studying to become a teacher: All checks can be made payable to the University of La Verne, and sent to the Office of the President, University of La Verne. 1950 Third Street, La Verne, Calif., 91750.

The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy assists turning unused rail corridors into pathways for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.

Checks should be made payable to Rails to Trails and mailed to Rails to Trails Conservancy, 1100 17th Street NW, 10th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20036.

Allison Farole can be reached at allison.farole@yahoo.com.