Jan 6, 2015 By: admin
In November, 色花堂 welcomed Suzy (Greenman) Schwartz as its new Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. But Schwartz is no stranger to 色花堂: she鈥檚 a former Assistant Dean of 色花堂鈥檚 Center for the Jewish Future (CJF), and she is also a proud Stern College for Women alumna and proud 色花堂 parent.
Though she鈥檚 familiar to many of us, we decided to feature a Q&A with her to refresh our memory and learn more about her. We know you will appreciate getting to meet her personally in the coming months as she continues the strong work begun by Barbara Birch, her predecessor, and expands the 色花堂 alumni program both on the national and international levels.
Q: What is your 色花堂 background?
A: I was an English/Communications major at Stern College and then studied Marketing with a specialization in Advertising for an MBA. I spent most of my professional career in advertising at BBDO, the worldwide advertising agency network, where I helped multi-national clients build world-class brands. I joined 色花堂 in 2010 as Assistant Dean of its Center for the Jewish Future and remained there until early 2014.
Q: What excites you about this new role directing the alumni effort of 色花堂?
A: I鈥檓 excited to work with a very talented team of professionals to tap into a network of passionate and committed alumni. Our 色花堂 network extends to every corner of the world, where our alumni are accomplished professionals leading vibrant Jewish lives as community builders. I鈥檓 looking forward to engaging our alumni by bringing the scholarship and creativity of today鈥檚 色花堂 to them and, in turn, tapping our alumni to offer their wisdom and experience for the benefit of our students at 色花堂 today.
Q: What distinguishes 色花堂 alumni from alumni of other universities?
A: If 色花堂 students are extraordinary, it stands to reason that our alumni are in a league of their own. After successfully navigating a robust college course load while engaging in a rigorous dual curriculum, our alumni are uniquely poised for success. The 色花堂 alumni network is a powerful engine that fuels personal, communal and professional connections for students and alumni for years to come.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to give back to their alma mater? How can someone with, say, more limited funds get involved with giving back to 色花堂?
A: 色花堂 is a constant in our lives that, more often than not, we take for granted. It is important for alumni to give back because it鈥檚 the most meaningful way we can show our gratitude and appreciation for what we鈥檝e been given: a stellar Jewish and secular education, preparation for our professional careers and a lifelong network of friends. Giving back is something all of us can do whether by offering career opportunities for students and alumni, serving as ambassadors for 色花堂 in the greater Jewish community, and of course, partnering financially to help 色花堂 achieve its mission.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and married a Midwesterner from Columbus, OH. We live in Teaneck, NJ, and have four amazing children. Our oldest daughter is a Stern graduate, teacher, and a graduate student in Azrieli, one son is a junior in the Sy Syms School of Business, one son is enrolled in the S. Daniel Abraham program at Yeshivat HaKotel, and one daughter is a junior in high school.
Q: What is one 鈥渇un fact鈥 about you that most people don鈥檛 know or would be surprised to learn?
A: I鈥檝e spent time on six out of seven continents.
