For the past nine years, Ann Fryslie has been the Director of the Office of Student Life. Outside of overseeing Student Senate meetings on Friday mornings, Fryslie carries a presence throughout City College.
However, beginning this July, Fryslie will retire and end her 30 years of service at City College.
“Heck, I could write a book about how amazing of a person she is,” said Tom Fitzgerald, Associated Student Body President.
Fryslie is most proud of the small, but important part she has played in the lives of her students.
“Without her guidance we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Fitzgerald said.
Fryslie began her journey at City College in 1978 working hourly as a registration assistant.
“I was here when no computers were around,” Fryslie said.
After working with punch cards, Fryslie was moved to the Financial Aid Office where she hand wrote checks for students.
After working nine years in the Financial Aid and Admission offices Fryslie left City College for 10 years. In 1987 Fryslie began working at Santa Barbara High School. Throughout these 10 years away from City College Fryslie held the position of Business Office Manager at the high school.
While at the high school Fryslie kept in contact with City College by serving on the EOPS/Financial Aid Advisory Committee.
Prior to serving on any committee, Fryslie attended City College as a student.
Receiving her Bachelors degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne, Fryslie returned to City College in 1997.
After serving a year as office supervisor of the Financial Aid Office, Fryslie was promoted to Office of Student Life Director.
“These last 10 years have been the most enjoyable of all,” Fryslie said.
Within these past 10 years Fryslie has managed to organize and establish various programs on and off campus.
Approximately 15 to 20 weddings are planned at City College each year. Fryslie, the mastermind of this idea, is in charge of booking weddings on campus.
“My daughter was the first wedding,” Fryslie said. “I came up with the idea.”
Fryslie’s work can be seen all over campus. The noontime cafeteria entertainment and Student Services Day are only two of various products Fryslie has arranged.
The mother of one and wife of 33 years was also one of the first members of the Isla Vista Community Safety Work Group, a group that works with UCSB as well as City College and the community to provide a safe neighborhood for college students to reside.
The most recent addition Fryslie has contributed to City College is the Student Legal Center. Initiated this semester, free legal advice is provided to students by a lawyer.
“I’ve worked with the most wonderful students,” Fryslie said.
The Santa Barbara native has been responsible for areas of housing, student senate, clubs, and activities.
“She’s done an extraordinary job at keeping a fair balance between students,” Fitzgerald said.
In addition to organizing blood drives, event postings, Merchant’s Bazaars, and Commencement, Fryslie directs the online elections, weekly senate meetings and serves as a mentor to the student senate president.
“Her help and guidance has reached far beyond the realm of student life, ” Fitzgerald said.
As Fryslie prepares for her next phase of life, she will devote time to her 7-month-old grandson, gardening and enjoying life.
With no one yet named to replace her as student life director, Fryslie said she “hopes they just continue the momentum.”
Among all of Fryslie’s experiences and memories at City College, the joy of working with students is the memory she “will cherish the most.”