Janet Mary Irvin, 74, passed away on August 22, 2019. Janet majored in history at Stanford University, studied Italian at the Stanford program in Florence, and graduated with a B.A. in 1967 and an M.A.T. in 1968.  She taught at Coronado High School in Scottsdale and later at Scottsdale High School. She then accepted a graduate research fellowship in the English Department at ASU, and later completed her master's thesis at ASU. In 1986 her husband, Glenn, joined Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and the family moved to Pismo Beach, CA. She began taking Architecture classes at Cal Poly, and eventually drafted the construction plans for the family's 2-story, 1000 sq ft addition. When her children were attending elementary school, Janet volunteered for school activities, which ultimately led to her appointment as the teacher for the computer lab at Shell Beach Elementary School. Later on, she was hired by a middle school for a math, science and technology position, where students applied engineering principles in a project-based curriculum and learned how to use shop tools, build circuitry, operate AV equipment, and program computers. In the summers, she taught literature classes at Cal Poly, and her interest in languages and cultures soon found her organizing study programs for Japanese students.

Janet returned to Arizona with her husband, Glenn, when, in 1997, he came to the ASU West campus as Professor of English and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Six years later Glenn was appointed Dean of East College and later Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the Polytechnic campus. From 2007 until his retirement in 2010 he served as Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, with offices Downtown, and in Tempe. After retirement, Glenn joined ASURA, and served as secretary from 2013-2015 and was a board member from 2013-2016.

After returning to Arizona, Janet began working for the Maricopa County Schools training teachers in techniques for applying math, science and technology in their curricula.  She built lasting relationships and collaborations with educators around the county, helping to build a STEM support system for traditionally underserved schools.  Eventually, she transitioned into the Pendergast School District where she wrote and managed STEM grants. In 2009 Janet retired. Janet is survived by her husband, Glenn, two daughters, two sons, six grandchildren, her mother, and four siblings. Donations can be made in Janet's name to the Hospice of the Valley . (Source: ASU Foundation, ASURA website)