Ken Servis: A Man in His Element

 
As one of six children raised in rural Indiana, Ken Servis learned early the value of family life and meaningful work. “I have been blessed to have a job which I love and at which I have been successful. The most important thing in my life has been my family — Harriet, my wife of 36 years, our three children, their spouses, and our five grandchildren,” said Servis. “Ken’s belief in family doing for one another is reflected in his community service. We didn’t have relatives in the area, so the community became our family. We both just naturally got involved,” shared Harriet.

 
Involvement initially equated to career. After his undergraduate education at Purdue University, Ken moved west, earning his doctorate in organic chemistry at California Institute of Technology. He joined the University of Southern California faculty in 1965 as a chemistry professor and never left. As Dean of Academic Records and Registrar since 1989, with service as President of the Academic Senate and University Commencement Marshall, Ken interacts with the student body and administration alike. He is credited with good judgment and excellent organizational and consensus-building skills. According to USC’s June Hudson, “Ken has ‘ institutional history ’. I can’t tell you how many departments call our office seeking his assistance and he responds immediately, working to solve the problem.”

Acting on his beliefs in community volunteer work and private philanthropy, Ken served as vice-president of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and as a member of the Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission and City Council. RHE City Manager Doug Pritchard praised Servis’ dedication. “Ken has a fine analytical mind and the best interests of the community at heart. The city of RHE and the larger Palos Verdes community should be very thankful to have someone of Ken’s talents and dedication willing to spend the kind of time he has over the years in service to the community.”

Ken began his association with Little Company of Mary in 1997 at the urging of San Pedro Peninsula Hospital Foundation Board trustee Bill Hansen. After joining the Foundation board, Ken became committed to the mission. “By serving on the board and supporting LCM, I believe that we contribute to the well-being of the people in the community that we serve. Both Harriet and I are pleased to be able to step up our support of LCM.” That pleasure is mutual. According to former Board President Hugh Hoffman, “Ken is one of the most gracious gentlemen and board members I have had the pleasure of working with.”

By all accounts, Servis is a man in his element in the chemistry lab, college campus, and boardroom. Don’t be surprised to find him tending orchids in the garden, biking, skiing and on the racquetball court, too!

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