Bio: Joan Sargen

Joan joined FPAC’s Board of Directors in January 2006, and is a natural ambassador for us as evidenced by her life experiences and interests. She was born in San Francisco and for years her family had season tickets (eighth row center) to the San Francisco Civic Light Opera so from an early age through her teens she enjoyed original casts on tour. She candidly adds that she was so lucky because she was also able to attend youth symphonies in the San Francisco Opera House which were available to all schools.

A most memorable philanthropic event happened when she was in her teens. Her father, who was a builder and developer in San Francisco, donated Gellert Park and Gellert Public Library to Daly City. For the dedication two pine trees were imported from Bavaria to honor her grandparents.

While attending San Francisco State College, where she earned a degree in anthropology, Joan met Jim Sargen. They were married, and as a couple they were highly involved in cultural and community activities. Joan was always busy—with PTA, from room mother to being to term president of PTA; being involved with “Performing Arts for Youth Society” bringing symphony, opera, ballet, Shakespeare, and the full range of anything performing to schools; as a sponsor for Music From Bear Valley; as a “band aid” with her children’s marching band, to name a few. Joan and Jim were a partnership with the same interests and values, and worked on the conversion of the old San Mateo High School auditorium into the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Because of that experience they got involved with FPAC and the campaign to build our performing arts center when they moved here in 1991. Although they are no longer married, they both support the arts in our community.

Joan has two adult children, Marc and Cindy. Marc, his wife Kimberly, and daughter Autumn Rose live in Nipomo and Marc works in the family business. Cindy and her husband Ryan live in Eugene, Oregon, where Cindy sings in her church choir, the Master Works Choir and Vocal Arts Choir of Eugene.

Joan is outgoing and cares about making other people feel comfortable. Because she is interested in and involved with so many worthy causes, she has at this time chosen Central Coast Women’s League, her church choir and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center for her deeper commitment.