Euphrat Museum director Jan Rindfleisch took a 40 percent pay cut in order to stay employed at De Anza College. The remaining 60 percent of her pay will have to be raised by the museum through donations and local business partnerships, according to Association of Classified Employees President Blanche Monary.

“I could care less about the money. I do it for the love of students and art,” Rindfleisch said.

Rindfleisch became executive director of the Euphrat in 1979. She was recently informed that effective June 30, her position would be eliminated. She was eventually allowed to stay for an additional year.

Rindfleisch said that the Euphrat Museum is very focused on student success and leadership development.   

Each year, the museum holds an art show where over 100 art, photo and design students participate.

“Through the Euphrat Museum of Art, I have been able to learn many new words and ideas about art. I never knew that art could be about so many things,” nursing major Lan Nguyen said.

“For over 30 years [Rindfleisch] has been instrumental in building a very unique art museum that brings together campus and community with a strong focus on student success and leadership development,” director of the Arts and Schools program Diana Argabrite said. “I have learned so much from working with her and continue to be inspired by her brilliance and heart-felt dedication to creative excellence.”