Joan Allbery

Class of 1968

Inducted 2023

Following graduation from NC, Joan enrolled at Gonzaga University in the fall of 1968. She soon decided, though, that she wasn’t ready for college. After finishing one semester, she took a job in the university’s Computer Center. Over the years, she took classes at Gonzaga, ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Leadership.

 Joan worked her entire career at Gonzaga University. The first 38 years were in the field of technology, where she held various positions, including Keypunch Operator, Operations Supervisor, and Director of Central Computing and Network Support. In her last 6 years at Gonzaga, she worked in administration, serving as interim Vice President and later Associate Vice President of Administration and Planning. After a 44-year career at Gonzaga, Joan retired in 2013.

Joan had another passion, though, that did not end when she stopped working at Gonzaga University. After reading in newspapers and hearing on TV too many stories about children who had been abused or neglected by those who were supposed to love and protect them, Joan decided to do something about it. So, in 1993, she took training to become a “CASA,” a Court Appointed Special Advocate, who promotes the best interests of children in foster care. For over 30 years, Joan was the voice in court for over a hundred children in Spokane County. She helped ensure their needs were met while in foster care and made recommendations at their court hearings.