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COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY e Importance of the Arts An interview with Irwin Jacobs on the debut of "e Joan" O ver many decades, Irwin Jacobs, the Qualcomm co-founder and former board chair and trustee of the Salk Institute, together with his late wife Joan, have given generously to San Diego County's ever-growing arts and cultural community, including, most recently, the Cygnet eatre at the Arts District Liberty Station. Recently, I spoke with him to learn why the couple has supported the arts over the years and believes in their importance. "One of Joan's favorite things was theater, having grown up in New York," he says. When the couple moved from Boston to San Diego, he recalls, "ere was little cultural activity. San Diego was inferior to Los Angeles. But I think we have come a huge distance since then." Jacobs notes the San Diego Symphony, Symphony at Salk, e Rady Shell, La Jolla Music Society, and e Conrad, as well as La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, and more. "Supporting the theater was one of Joan's main interests, so when Cygnet came to us, we went over and looked at [the space at Liberty Station] and both of us became convinced it would be a good idea," he says. Jacobs said he and his family were already acquainted with the Arts District, having helped to launch the first High Tech High charter school at Liberty Station. ey also supported the nearby Malashock Dance, and were longtime fans of the Cygnet eatre, then in Old Town. "We were always impressed with their work," he says, recalling that he and Joan especially enjoyed a performance of Cygnet's My Fair Lady. "So, we were familiar with the area, and also, [we liked] that it would be of use to others in the community." But Jacobs says there are many other reasons to support the arts, even for those like him, who have a background in science and technology. "We often need a change," he explains. "Take music, for example. We all remember certain tunes and pieces of music. ey stay with us. I found it was always good to take a break and let the mind focus on something different. I have found music to be almost essential." e arts also attract new employees to San Diego County who want not only good jobs and good educations for their children, but a "bit of excitement," he says. And it's "good for business" too. "When you go to the theater or a music performance, you want to make an occasion of it, have a meal out. So, it helps the restaurant industry," he adds. "Who came up with theater's nickname 'e Joan?'" I ask. "Someone from the Cygnet eatre suggested that," he says, "and it seemed like a very nice gesture." Joan, sadly, was not at the Cygnet's ribbon cutting or opening performances, but her husband brought family and friends to celebrate not only the company's debut in its new space at Liberty Station, but the Jacobs family's enduring gift to the San Diego County community. A sign in huge red letters on the theater proclaims, "e Joan." BY ANDREA NAVERSEN Irwin Jacobs ranchandcoast.com 60 OCTOBER 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Focus philanthropy