Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2002

About M. Joan Perisho

Mary Joan Perisho, received a B.S. in Business in 1948 and an M.S. in Education in 1950 from Indiana University. Throughout her career as Assistant Professor, she has worked with many students on both the Indianapolis and Bloomington campuses. In 1948, she began as a counselor and taught undergraduate education courses in the Reading and Study Skills Center and graduate education practicum courses on the Bloomington campus. She started teaching evening education reading and study skills courses on the Indianapolis campus in 1952, in addition to her work on the Bloomington campus. During the 1970’s, Perisho transferred full time to IUPUI where she taught education courses and counseled in the Guided Study Program until her retirement in 1986.

A great supporter of her alma mater, Perisho made a significant contribution to the Merle R. Draper Fund for the Curriculum Resource Center at the IU School of Education at IUPUI. Through her gift, she acknowledged the

importance of the Center’s impact on local education as it provides resources for curriculum development and professional improvement for students, faculty and alumni.

Perisho continued to support the University even after her retirement by attending musical and sporting events. She was extensively involved in public relations, and in technical and production aspects of the Pine Box Musical Theatre in Nashville, Indiana.