Robin Janssen Honored with Catlin Gabel’s Joey Day Pope ’54 Award

The school’s highest honor for volunteering recognizes outstanding contributions to the Catlin Gabel community

Catlin Gabel parent and current Parent Faculty Association (PFA) President Robin Janssen has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Joey Day Pope ’54 Award, presented each year to a community member in recognition of the positive impact they have made as a volunteer at the school, and the inspiration they have provided for others to do the same.

Presentation of the award takes place during the Celebration of Giving event on Thursday, May 28, 2026, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the CAC Plaza at Catlin Gabel.

Robin Janssen has been a dedicated member of the school community for 11 years, contributing across every division in various leadership and other volunteer roles. She currently serves as PFA President and previously held positions including Vice President, New Family Coordinator, and Middle School Divisional Coordinator.

Robin has played a key role in community events such as the Gala and Auction, Heritage Day, and Spring Fest, and has supported classrooms as a Grade Rep, Art Team member, and Library Helper. She also serves as Co-Leader of the Neurodiversity Affinity Group. Known for her steady presence and commitment, Robin helps foster a strong, connected community for parents, students, and employees.

“Building a dedicated community takes time and patience. Like most things worth pursuing, what you put in is what you get out!” says Robin. “The energy and commitment you invest will be reflected in the people you attract and the impact you create together. Our volunteers bring their time, skills, and passion because they genuinely want to make a difference. When you connect a cause with a compelling purpose, you naturally draw in people who can’t wait to get involved.”

About the Joey Day Pope ’54 Award

In honor of Catlin Gabel parent and grandparent Joey Day Pope ’54, the Catlin Gabel Alumni Association and Board of Trustees created an award in her name in 1992 to be given each year to an outstanding volunteer.

Joey’s volunteerism at Catlin Gabel spanned decades, and included 14 years of service on the Board of Trustees. She spearheaded many initiatives and campus improvement projects, such as founding a volunteer horticulture society dedicated to maintaining campus beauty, and establishing the Esther Dayman Strong Lectureship in the Humanities. Joey also created and chaired the Committee on Community, which supported the work of volunteers at Catlin Gabel.