Janice K. Holtsclaw
is honored with a Brick from Richard Holtsclaw.
Plaza of Heroines submission from James J. Rhatigan, Vice President, Emeritus
Known as the 'Key Lady' of the WSU Campus, Janice K. Holtsclaw has made some unique and significant contributions. Her presence over 27 years affected the lives of hundreds of co-workers, staff, faculty members and international students. Her work was important in both large and small ways, from someone needing emergency access to an office with a malfunctioning lock, to a person raising money for CUW Scholarships.
Employment at Gattis Physical Plant
Janice (Fisher) was hired at the WSU Lock Shop in June, 1979, and was proficient as a Lock Systems Specialist. She repaired, re-keyed and installed locks compatible with the university system, and did complex work involving desk locks, door closers, panic bars, cabinet locks and card readers.
Her employment in the 1970’s was a breakthrough in the skilled trades profession, as men had long dominated these kinds of positions. She met the challenge of working in 40+ buildings on the campus and was recognized as unusually skillful. Janice is the only woman to retire from a skilled trades job at the WSU Physical Plant, and is proud of paving the way for other women.
Dedication to the Council of University Women (CUW)
In 1980, Janice joined the Council of University Women. She became a very active member for twenty-six years, serving on numerous committees each year. In 1999, she was co-chairperson of the CUW Scholarship Bash. She was top ticket seller for many years. She also served on the initial committee with First Lady Shirley Beggs to plan the CUW Christmas brunch. Janice was vice president/program chairman for two terms and a decorator for many events. She served on eighteen committees for different annual fundraisers. She was dedicated to the idea of raising funds to help students.
Friendship Family Involvement
In October, 1993, Janice married Richard Holtsclaw. They met at the WSU Physical Plant in 1987. One significant thing that happened on their wedding day was meeting with a Friendship Family couple at their wedding reception. They soon became involved and were “matched” with Collin and Christina Chew, from Malaysia. Next came Yuko Tanaka from Japan. She was a cherished Friendship Family Student from 1996 to 1999. For the next four years, the Holtsclaws welcomed more students into their lives, including some from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.
Since the Holtsclaws had no children or grandchildren living nearby, international students became their extended family. The students filled their home with excitement, laughter, eagerness to learn about America, and a desire to share their countries with them. Janice’s life often centered around these diverse young people, cooking holiday dinners, having birthday parties, sharing Wichita attractions, buying gifts and solving problems unique to international students. As a result, Janice and Richard were invited to visit three homes and families in Asia. This was a heartwarming trip, demonstrating the importance and the effectiveness of the Friendship Family idea.
Janice and Richard Holtsclaw have a blended family; one son, Greg Fisher; two daughters, Susan Harrison and Shannon Spear; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Honored by a brick from Richard Holtsclaw in 1998.
