Janice Epp, Phd

Dr. Janice Epp died on December 25, 2012, after a brief but valiant fight with cancer. According to those close to her, she dealt with her illness with what was described as a legendary sense of humor, determination, and courage.

As a fifth-generation San Franciscan and longtime resident of Palo Alto, she was committed to West Coast living. She attended the City College of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and received her bachelor of art degree from Antioch University. Her doctorate was earned from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, where she went on to join the faculty; at the end of her career, she was serving as professor and dean of the faculty at the institute, along with serving as an assistant professor of health science at Skyline College and clinical professor and director of dissertation research at the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists. She also was a clinical fellow with the American Board of Sexology.

Over several decades, Dr. Epp made significant contributions to the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). She was renowned as a passionate advocate for students, an inspiring teacher, and a wise mentor. She worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students to be a viable part of SSSS. At the society's scientific meetings, she organized special events for students to meet established professionals in the field of sexology, arranged meaningful experiences for student volunteers, and promoted the recognition of student presentations. As a result of Dr. Epp's longtime dedication, legions of students have become vital members of SSSS, and many have gone on to distinguished careers in sexual science.

In addition to her dedicated work with students, Dr. Epp contributed years of service to the society. She served multiple times on the board of directors, the SSSS Annual Meeting Program Committee, the Scientific Review Committee, Membership Committee, and Election and Nominations Committee; and she was a consistent and active attendee at SSSS events. For the Western Region, Dr. Epp served several terms of office on the council as president, as board representative, and on various other regional committees. In 2008, Dr. Epp was a recipient of the Distinguished Service to SSSS Award, Western Region.

Outside of her commitments to the field of sexuality, Dr. Epp was a trained and experienced soprano with interests that ranged from early music to contemporary opera. She sang for many years with the Heinrich Schütz Choir, the San Francisco Concert Chorale, and the Palo Alto Chamber Chorale. She also appeared in numerous productions with the Stanford Savoyards, Lyric Theatre, West Bay Opera, Berkeley Opera, and Fremont Opera. Janice was a lifelong Giants fan, an avid and expert skier, a knowledgeable wine enthusiast, and a world traveler.

To remember Janice is to remember the woman who worked to make sexologist a familiar term, was committed to advancing sexual health, was full of life, and always greeted members and members-to-be with her warm smile and encouragement and support for their efforts to expand knowledge in the field.