Joann Dao
Joann Dao’s life was one of sacrifice for those she loved.
Joann and her family survived 17 years of hardship in Vietnam before immigrating to the United States in 1992. They finally had freedom but little else. Joann and her siblings worked minimum-wage jobs to make ends meet. She went to community college before transferring to the University of California at Davis in 2000.
Within two years, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree with honors. After marrying, she and her husband moved to Garland in 2002. Instead of pursuing a career in electrical engineering, Joann devoted herself to the newly created family business, the 2000 Auto Repair shop. She used her academic skills to oversee their inventory management processes and her diplomatic nature to bring family members together to build business success.
With the birth of her son in 2005, Joann embraced her new role of motherhood while still working with the family business. Soon after the baby’s birth, Joann’s son was diagnosed with severe allergies, especially to peanuts. Joann spent countless days and nights caring for her son, especially during sudden changes in weather or accidental exposure to peanuts.
Joann was infected with acute Hepatitis B during the seventh month of her second pregnancy. Joann’s foremost concern was the safety of her unborn daughter. She insisted on delaying any medical procedures and treatment for herself as long as possible so that her daughter could develop further. Despite being born two months prematurely, Joann delivered a healthy baby girl.
With the economic down turn in the fields of electronics and information technology, Joann sought to update her education. She started classes at Richland College to be a pharmacy technician. She had completed all of the coursework for the Community Pharmacy Technician certificate, and needed only to complete the clinical externship to receive her certificate. Unfortunately, Joann’s failing health prevented her from reaching that goal. She passed away before she could finish.
Joann was known on campus for her academic excellence as well as her friendliness. “Her sweet character and clever sense of humor were beloved by classmates and faculty alike,” says her nominator, Lianne Webster. “Her Richland College family rallied around her as she faced physical challenges and respected her courageous spirit and can-do attitude. Through it all, she never complained – she always remained positive, focusing on the joy and well being of those around her.”