Dance instructor Janet Pholeric served many roles through out her tenure at the University, first beginning in 1958. “She was the consummate time manager,” said Barbara Kelly, professor emerita of health and exercise sciences, in her tribute to Prof. Pholeric at the General Faculty meeting April 8.

Prof. Pholeric worked with her husband to make a successful business, supporting their children’s education through law and medical school respectively. Although her first priority was her husband and her children, Kelly noted that Prof. Pholeric made great contributions to the University community through her instruction of folk dance and modern dance performance. Kelly joked that the success of the University’s football team was attributed to the intricate footwork that was taught to them during “Mrs. P’s dance classes.”

Dubbed the unofficial faculty social chairperson by her colleagues Prof. Pholeric hosted her fellow faculty members for an annual holiday luncheon at her home, Kelly said, and she also opened her home to senior students at the end of each academic year for a day of food and entertainment.

She also spent six years earning an advanced degree, Kelly said, and later published a book on folk dances of the world, called “an invaluable resource, updating the educational materials available to instructors and students of folk dance.” Prof. Pholeric retired in 1986.