Ann Firestone, 2004 President's Quality Service Award Winner

Around DAAP, she is simply – and fittingly – known as ‘Mother Fashion.’

Ann Firestone is often credited as the pivotal seam that holds together the annual DAAP Fashion Show. The adjunct instructor of fashion is usually the most involved faculty member behind the scenes. She never actually sees the show – all her time is spent backstage helping students, her apron pockets laden with pins, tape, and needles and thread. She stands ready to respond to any fashion emergency.

It is merely one day that demonstrates her overall commitment to the college and its students. Assistant professor Margaret Schroeder calls Firestone a "conscientious person who would drop whatever she was doing to help anyone – faculty, student or stranger. She is exceptionally dependable and always available to assist in any way possible."

A talented designer who formerly worked at Playhouse in the Park as that theater’s costume director, Firestone took the lead last spring in helping new UC president Nancy Zimpher when she needed robes designed for the university’s Commencement.

Firestone is heavily involved in the department by any measure, let alone that of an adjunct. She teaches three classes each quarter, and has taught most of the design and technology classes, as well as several of the lecture courses.

Because of her commitment and attitude, UC fashion students have come to view her as indispensable. "More than a professor, Ann Firestone is a mentor, an inspiration and the one you turn to when you’re not sure if you can make it through the most difficult of times," says current junior Josie Graham. "She is the one I turn to with excitement, ideas and dreams of the future, as well as the one who wipes my tears. Never has anyone believed in me more and helped me to believe in myself. I have realized many of my dreams and surpassed my goals with her guidance."

Jay Ott, another of Firestone’s students, says Firestone’s compassion and interest imbues her students with the confidence necessary for success. "There is no paragraph, essay or otherwise, for me to begin to tell you what Ann has done for me," he says, "but there is a whole department of hundreds and years of alumni whom I absolutely guarantee would say just what I have said."