“Education has always been an emphasis in our family, starting with our parents,” said Joanne. “It’s such a privilege to invest in an organization that does so much to help local students become better citizens through learning and exposure to knowledge.”  

Born in Milwaukee, Joanne moved with her family to Santa Barbara in the mid-1940s after her father was offered a teaching position at Santa Barbara College in what is now the Riviera Theatre complex. Dr. Seefeld would eventually become a founding faculty member of UCSB’s Department of Education. Her mother Vivian was a noted local educator in her own right, serving as the first principal of Cleveland Elementary School in Santa Barbara.

Joanne met her husband Brian at UC Berkeley, and though she was initially reluctant to return to her hometown, especially after studying abroad in France and Switzerland, the couple has now happily lived in the area for more than 55 years.

In keeping with their family history, Joanne and Brian established the Kermit and Vivian Seefeld Scholarship Fund, administered by the Scholarship Foundation, in 2001. 

Unsurprisingly, they recently became Scholars Circle members as well.  

“It’s so simple when you think about it,” said Joanne. “Every little bit that goes to the Scholarship Foundation helps local students learn and thrive. We are so happy that we will get to contribute to the Foundation and support its important work for many years to come.”