Janice Roberts Receives JSCC’s 2018 Distinguished Retiree Award
Dr. Janice Roberts is not only an outstanding retiree from Jefferson State; she is an outstanding person.
After her retirement in 2009, Janice was the primary caregiver for her mother. She lovingly and devotedly took care of her until her mother’s death in 2011. Her involvement with and care for her extended family did not end there. She has numerous family members in the Birmingham area, including pre-school nieces. Janice makes time to be sure that those children are introduced to the Arts by taking them to the Children’s Theater, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and other venues around the city.
Janice is very involved with the Bluff Park Art Association and the Birmingham Museum of Art.
As a Board member of the Bluff Park Art Association, she helps to plan and implement the annual art show held in Bluff Park. She has served as Publicity Chairman, and as a member of the Permanent Collections Committee for 10 years. She also makes multiple financial contributions to the Art Association to further its goals, including establishing an endowment designated to award a college scholarship to a graduating art student from the Hoover School System.
After being accepted into the Birmingham Museum of Art Docent Training program she spent nine months training as a Docent. That resulted in her being named as a Touring Docent. As a Touring Docent she leads tours of the Museum and attends weekly training sessions to remain up to date on the Museum displays. She also volunteers at the Information Desk, and at special events. Other community involvement includes ushering at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra concerts and membership in the Cosmos Club, a literary study club that is the second largest Women’s Club in Birmingham.
The community is not the only recipient of her contributions. She remains very active in Jefferson State activities. She continues to be involved with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was named Advisor Emeritus by the International PTK Honor Society and in that capacity helps judge applications for International Awards and Scholarships.
She is a member of the Alumni Committee, and her service on the Social Committee is invaluable. She was extremely valuable in the preparation for the 50th year celebration. Her deep knowledge of the history, faculty and staff helped to give the celebration a very special touch. Her contributions to the Social Committee continue, and her wit and humor make working with her an absolute pleasure.
But Janice is not all work. For her, travel is “both a hobby and obsession.” She has traveled much of the world, and feels “interaction with different cultures and beliefs enriches my life and helps me understand others better.” She plays Contract Bridge which she believes keeps her mind sharp and helps to maintain social interaction.
