Jack and Mary Pease Scholarship Endowment

A Legacy Continues through the establishment of the Jack and Mary Pease Scholarship Endowment. Jack was a founding faculty member of West Valley College in 1964 while Mary was a classified employee in the Assessment Center. Both have given in tremendous ways to the betterment of others.

College was Their Connection...
Jack and Mary met at college in 1955 — Jack majoring in math and Mary in music. In 1956, in between semesters at San Francisco State College, they were married. In 2006, they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary. Unfortunately, Mary passed away a year later, a definite loss to Jack and their three beautiful daughters.

Jack earned his master's degree from Arizona State University and accepted a teaching assignment at San Jose City College. Three years later, he was hired by West Valley College as a mathematics instructor, a faculty assignment he proudly held until retiring 28 years later. Jack also served as a Mathematics Department Chair and a Math & Science Division Chair.

After their daughters were raised, two of whom attended West Valley College, Mary attended San Jose State University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in music. She was passionate about playing the violin evidenced by her role as a private teacher as well as her involvement with various musical groups including the Scottish Fiddler's Society.

Giving Back and Making a Difference...
When Jack retired in 1992 and Mary in 1994, this kindred couple continued to be involved with the community college especially with the West Valley College Founders/Emeriti Scholarship Endowment Fund–designed to assist students pursuing a teaching career. Jack still gives back today as a Founders/Emeriti board member. The Jack and Mary Pease Scholarship Endowment Fund is two-fold: It serves as a symbol of their fond appreciation for WVC—one of the finest community colleges in the state—and will also assist students aspiring a career in mathematics or music.