Joan K. Ziemba, 65, director of corporate and community relations for the George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus, died on May 17.
She had held her current position since 2003, where she led a number of internal and external projects, including Science Technology and Engineering Day, the Foundation Center Cooperating Collection and the Loudoun Academy of the Arts Foundation and Art Square Partnership: The Regional Artists Series.
Ms. Ziemba also led efforts to support a number of local non-profits and non-profit initiatives in Loudoun County and northern Virginia, and routinely organized internal and external community events for the campus.
Ms. Ziemba had also served as director of publications and special projects for the George Mason University from 1990 to 1998. In the 1970s, Joan was the first public information officer for the Chesapeake, Virginia, City and Public Schools.
“From the very short time that we interacted, her enthusiasm and positive outlook for progress was quite evident,” said Ali Eskandarian, dean of GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus. “Furthermore, throughout the years, and during some challenging times at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus, Joan’s efforts and creativity were instrumental in connecting the campus with the Loudoun community, winning new friends for GW, and nurturing relationships with very positive and lasting impact on our campus. We shall forever remain grateful to Joan for her perseverance and her dedication to GW.”
Ms. Ziemba was an avid collector of art, photography, literature, antique doll houses and dolls. She devoted countless hours to feeding and rescuing feral cats and was the founder of the George Mason Cat Coalition.
A gathering will be held for friends and colleagues today from 3 to 5 p.m. at Money and King in Vienna, Va. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Bates and Anderson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 9, in Ms. Ziemba’s hometown of Hudson, N.Y.
Memorial donations in her name may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Foundation.