Longtime student champion John Giammalva has died at 65

John Giammalva, a student services manager in the School of Humanities and Sciences’ Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages who worked for 20 years supporting students at Stanford, died March 4. He was 65.

Giammalva joined the university in February 2004 as a residence dean in the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. In this role, he connected students with resources to support their academic and personal goals. Giammalva worked in Residential Education until 2021, when he moved into undergraduate case management in the Dean of Students Office. In April 2022, he joined the DLCL supporting graduate students in their academic programs. 

“John was most passionate about supporting students,” said Kathryn Starkey, the Edward Clark Crossett Professor in Humanistic Studies, chair of the DLCL, and professor of German Studies. “In his tenure in the DLCL, he managed to create a wonderful sense of community and belonging among the grad students. He was extraordinarily kind and warmhearted, and he excelled at making everyone feel welcome.”

Maria “Charo” Robinson, DLCL director of finance and operations, described Giammalva as “a relentless graduate student advocate.” She recalled that he went above and beyond his assigned duties to help mediate differences of opinion and guide faculty and faculty leadership. 

“John was more than a colleague; he was an inspiration—he didn’t let any issues prevent him from being compassionate and caring and living a full life,” Robinson said.

The right man for the job

Giammalva was born in Friendsville, Texas, in 1958. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in counseling from the University of San Diego. 

Jane Camarillo, who led Residential Education from 1995 to 2006, first hired Giammalva at Stanford in 2004. During the interview process, she could see how committed he was to student life.

“John understood the role often meant working with students at their most vulnerable times, when knowledgeable support is needed,” Camarillo said. “Being a native Texan myself, I also recognized in him the kind of Texas hospitality and common sense that to me was invaluable.”

Michelle Voigt, who worked as a residence dean alongside Giammalva, said that he cared about his students and his co-workers alike.

“John would remember the smallest detail of something significant that you shared with him and give you an amazing gift related to it—nothing expensive or lavish but something meaningful that let you know that he was listening and that he cared,” she said.

In his time away from work, Giammalva was an avid traveler who visited more than 30 countries and was hoping to visit Morocco and Brazil. He was a voracious reader whose favorite authors included Michael Crichton and J.R.R. Tolkien. Giammalva loved to watch sports, which he attributed to his Texas roots. 

Camarillo said she remembered spending time with Giammalva outside of work, “over Mexican food and margaritas. That is where I was able to appreciate his humor, his honesty, his loyalty to his family, friends, and colleagues. He had such insight and optimism for his students.” 

John Giammalva is survived by his wife, Katia Essyad; his stepson, Amine Armani; and his brother, Charles Giammalva.

A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Stanford Memorial Church. Attendees are asked to RSVP.