WWCC Spotlight: Jan Kruper
Who?
Danielle Swan-Froese, Program Coordinator for the Enology and Viticulture program, and Office Manager for College Cellars. At WWCC since 2009.
Most important part of the job?
On the instructional side I help students navigate the systems and processes at the college so they can get registered, and then I smooth the way for them throughout their time here if they run into any roadblocks or SNAFUs. And on the College Cellars side I make sure that we stay compliant with all the federal and state regulations surrounding the production, serving, and shipping of alcohol.
Biggest challenge?
Alcohol production and sale is a highly-regulated industry, requiring very detailed record-keeping, which isn’t easy since we run a winery that makes about 30 different wines. And we have a really diverse population of students in this program. We have students who are right out of high school, and also students who come to us with multiple Master’s degrees and even PhDs. I have to help all those students fit into the requirements of the college, while making sure that students who already have degrees or previous college experience aren’t wasting time taking courses that they’ve already taken.
People should know?
Many people in the community don’t realize we have a winery that is open to the public, where they can come to taste and purchase the wines the students are making. They don’t know that the students work in the tasting room, which serves the dual purpose of giving the students the experience of working on the hospitality side of the industry, and from the guest’s standpoint they are able to talk with the students about the wines they made.
Surprising things?
Twice I have ridden the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride, which is over 200 miles, in one day. I also did another epic ride from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. which is a two-day ride.
Community activities?
Currently I’m Chair of the Board of Directors of Walla Walla County Helpline.
For fun?
I really enjoy physical activities. I cycle around the Valley and the Northwest with my husband and friends, and I like to ski. And I like to get together with friends and eat great food and drink great wine.
Family?
My husband Walter is the Comptroller at Whitman, and between us we have five kids. All of them are college educated, which I’m really proud of.
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