KATHLEEN LAGORIO JANSSEN
2017 Bishop's Awards Honoree

“My faith keeps me grounded and humble. I know anything I do or accomplish is only because God allows it.”

Kathleen Janssen’s parents were loving, hardworking, and cared about others. They instilled in Kathleen the idea of paying it forward, and she has done so, with care and attention to the Church and community.

Her parents enrolled her in Catholic schools: St. Gertrude’s and St. Mary’s (she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1997). She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of the Pacific and graduate degree at the University of San Francisco. She taught for 17 years for Stockton Unified, where she met her husband Dean. After her teaching experiences, Kathleen entered the parents’ business - Lagorio Farms and Ace Tomato. The company experienced tremendous growth under her direction. Today, she and Dean manage several farming operations with two of their three sons. “The fact that I work with my husband and family is what makes it all worthwhile.” Kathleen and Dean, married for 40 years, have three sons, Christopher Lagorio, Jann and Dana Janssen, and three grandchildren.

Many of her philanthropic and service interests are in education. She has served on and chaired/ co-chaired various stewardship and educational boards for the Diocese, including SEEDs, The Blue Ribbon Committee for Schools, Church for Tomorrow, and the Financial Recovery Task Force. She has worked on the Diocese’s Capital Campaign and was the chair for the 2004 Bishop’s Awards. She is also active in her parish’s funeral ministry and serves as a Eucharistic Minister and Mass Facilitator.

In addition to her parish service, Mrs. Janssen has served as the President of the University of Pacific Board of Regents for the past seven years. She was recently recognized with one of Pacific’s highest honors, the Alumni Medallion of Excellence award.  Kathleen has served on many community and civic boards, including the Stockton Symphony, Dameron Hospital, and Goodwill. She has also been active with the Pacific Italian Alliance (her paternal grandparents were from Italy), and her outstanding service to the community was recognized with Stocktonian of the Year, among many other honors. 

She recommends that young adults pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance, as she credits the “nudging” He gave her as the impetus for her parish involvement. She also advises prayers to the Blessed Mother for protection and direction, and prayers to the saints, Jesus, and the Father.