 In 2013, Pepperdine University established the Janet Zollinger Giele Distinguished Life Course Award to recognize women who have overcome significant obstacles to become leaders in their chosen field.Giele is married to David L. Giele and has two children.She has served as a lay leader in her church, as a member of Wellesley Town Meeting, an alumni trustee of Earlham College, and Acting Dean of the Heller School.