When Jean Wollam reflects on her time as a student studying English at the U in the 1960s, she much prefers to talk about her role models than herself. During her years at the U, she had many professors who supported and encouraged her to follow her passion for teaching, which led her to a lifelong career in education, which began at the old Bingham High School in 1970.

    “Jean was easily one my most memorable instructors,” said John Saltas, publisher of the Salt Lake City Weekly and former student of Jean’s. “At the time, she wasn’t much older than her students but was very much in tune with the times and trends that challenged all of us back then. I’ve spoken to many classmates since and we all agree that she left a positive impact on the students at Bingham High School.”

After Bingham High School was demolished in 1976, Jean moved to Brighton High School where she continued to teach English until becoming a school counselor. Her love for teaching then took her to a district-level position where she supported and trained teachers working with advanced students. She retired in 2000 after a full career of connecting and inspiring hundreds of students and teachers.

    “I’ll always think well of Jean. I certainly would not have dared trying to become a writer or publisher if not for her,” added Saltas.

    Jean’s parents grew up during the depression and never had the chance to attend college, which motivated Jean to pursue higher education. “My father worked for the railroad, but he would’ve much preferred to have been a history teacher or a journalist and my mother wanted to be an

elementary education teacher but didn’t have the opportunity. They did okay in their lives but weren’t as happy or fulfilled as they could’ve been,” said Jean.

    As a student at the U, Jean’s role models included her English professors, such as the beloved Edward Lueders, William Mulder and especially Clarice Short. “Teachers make a huge difference in whether or not you’re going to pursue a subject. Even though you have interest or talent in the subject, teachers embracing you makes all the difference.”

    Jean spoke admiringly about Short and recalled how her support and encouragement helped Jean to continue her desire to pursue education. She particularly affected Jean because she was one of the few women professors Jean had as a college student. “At the time, young women in the early ‘60s weren’t ordinarily being encouraged to get doctorates or go to medical school or any of those careers. Seeing accomplished and interesting women [like Short] was an encouragement.”

    With a desire to give back to the university to honor both her professors and parents, Jean established the first endowed scholarship in the Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies in 2021 for students in the Writing Scholars program. The program provides a bridge for students at Salt Lake Community College to transfer to the U and benefit from the kinds of teachers Jean so passionately cares about.

    Jean is gratified that her gift will make it possible for students like her to find their passion. Passion, she said, is what makes life fulfilling.