Even in retirement Dr. Susan Stocker’s list of honors and accolades continues to grow. Recently named an Organization for Associate Degree in Nursing (OADN) Academy Fellow, the former Kent State University at Ashtabula dean and chief administrative officer was honored by the United Way of Ashtabula County with its Community Builder Award at the organization’s annual luncheon in August.
The UW Community Builder Award recognizes an individual or organization whose dedicated efforts for philanthropic endeavors in Ashtabula County have added significant value and made a lasting impact in the community.
Stocker, who retired in June after 30-plus years of leadership on the Ashtabula Campus, has been a long-time supporter and advocate for the organization throughout her historic leadership tenure.
“The United Way plays just a vital and important role in our community. I’m honored to be able to play a small part in that,” Stocker said. “We’ve all heard the saying ‘it takes a village’- United Way is that village. They serve the growing number of the most vulnerable populations in our community.”
“Sue Stocker's commitment to her family, her profession and her community has been far beyond the common perception of normal,” said United Way of Ashtabula County Trustee – and Stocker’s dear friend – Mary Pepperney during the award presentation. “From chaperoning wiggly, giggly 7th and 8th graders to see Phantom of the Opera in Toronto to introducing and developing visionary innovations in education; to sharing her leadership skills through service on numerous state and local boards to her continued kindness and thoughtfulness to friends and colleagues; to all the unknown moments and acts of kindness she has practiced throughout her entire life; to her courage, compassion, advocacy, generosity and her ability to laugh at herself, Sue has elevated the concept of “normal” to a standard seldom achieved.”
Pepperney continued, “In Ashtabula County, she is universally recognized as a person of vision, tenacity, and integrity. She personifies the core values of United Way by supporting on-going efforts to help our community become more prosperous, healthier and educated. She has continually shared her time, abilities and resources to support these goals. In short, Sue Stocker is one amazing woman and United Way of Ashtabula County can think of no one more deserving to receive the 2022 UWAC Community Builder Award.”
Under Stocker’s leadership the Kent State Ashtabula campus was collectively named the recipient of the Community Builder Award in 2013 as well as the organization’s Live United Award in 2016.
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