“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader. They set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role — always about the goal.”
When I think of former South Bend Alumni Association Executive Director Susie Brennan, the above quote describes her perfectly. Unbeknownst to many of you, Susie stepped down quietly from her role as executive director at the end of November 2021. However, she continues to serve in her leadership role (on a more limited basis) until a replacement is found because she loves the SBAA, supporting the students of South Bend Schools and believes in the importance of supporting the association through the transition.
Susie always stayed in the background while in her role as executive director, quietly but tirelessly working to ensure that every detail of each meeting and event was carefully and thoughtfully planned. She understands how crucial the events are to the success of the SBAA because contributions from community partners, neighbors, friends and families are the lifeblood of the association. Meetings with the Board of Trustees and committees are intentional and focused on ways to grow the association, and have the ability to broaden the impact for more students in South Bend Schools.
Authentic, kind and purposeFULL are just a few words I would use to describe Susie Brennan.
Authentic: your values, ideals and actions align
Kind: having or showing a friendly, generous and considerate nature
Purposeful: having or showing determination or resolve
We are so very grateful for ALL the wonderful ways Susie has served the South Bend Alumni Association, the students of South Bend Schools and the South Bend community as executive director of the SBAA since November 2017. We are sad to see her go, but she has not gone far; Susie is now the Director of Strategic Partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County! So the SBAA will continue the community partnership!
So, please join us in expressing copious amounts of gratitude for the investment of time, talent, passion, ingenuity, expertise, thoughtfulness, compassion and love Susie Brennan has made on behalf of the South Bend Alumni Association. We are better individuals for the time spent working alongside you, serving our community.
— Carrie Ann Taylor
Administrative Assistant
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you a leader focused on the goal, with a heart for the students of South Bend Schools and a commitment to the South Bend community? The South Bend Alumni Association is conducting a search for an executive director. If you are interested, please visit: https://bit.ly/ExecDirSearch for more information!