Distinguished Alumnae Awards
2010 Award: Susie Mote '60
Susie Mote
What a privilege it is to recognize a member of our 50th reunion class with this year's distinguished alumna award, especially since this is the first time that she has been able to sit back and enjoy these reunion weekend festivities. During the last ten years, she's been our chief behind-the-scenes volunteer, planning the special touches that make coming back such a memorable experience. It is especially meaningful to her to be surrounded by 23 of her graduating class today as they become the newest members of the Golden Thistle Society, those alumnae who graduated 50 or more years ago. 

Congratulations, Susie Robinson Mote, you have made so much possible for your fellow alumnae and for our school.  In honoring you today, we honor the power of an individual to live the St. Margaret's mission and in doing so to show your fellow alumnae the importance, rewards, and value of giving back to our school. 

Fifty-three years ago, Susie left her family's apple farm in Winchester to become a boarding student at St. Margaret's.  Needless to say, she made lifelong friends during her three years here. She was a member of the Glee Club, the Dress Committee, and the Field Hockey team.  Then and now Susie is a member of the Blue Team.

What Susie has accomplished for St. Margaret's reminds me of a quote from one of this year's seniors.

She said, 'Here I have learned to listen to and value the opinions of others.  I leave behind the legacy of discovery, that when we, the girls of St. Margaret's strive as individuals, we have the ability to surprise ourselves, and when we strive collectively, we have the ability to surprise the world.'   

For the last decade, Susie has been class agent, reaching out to keep her class connected with each other and the school.  In 2002, our current Alumnae President Jenni Booker invited Susie to become a member-at-large on the Alumnae Board. Susie quickly put her skills to work, leading the reunion decorating, volunteering at every alumnae phonathon, and engaging other friends and classmates as volunteers. She moved up through the Alumnae Board and was chosen as President-elect in 2005, finally representing the Alumnae Association on the Board of Governors in 2007.

 
As Alumnae President, Susie enthusiastically led a strong group of volunteers in giving back to the school.  She was a wonderful support to the staff.  Susie is dedicated to the future of St. Margaret's and the maintenance of the physical plant as a key representation of the school to the outside world and to our alumnae. She has devoted her time and persuasive powers to reengaging alumnae and getting them to return to campus to see the school and become involved.

Susie has been committed to the improvement of the Thistle House inside and out, helping to make furniture and decoration choices for the interior and ensuring that the plantings and gardens are healthy and hearty, a beautiful representation of the Alumnae Association and their 'home away from home.' 

Thank you, Susie for your leadership in planning this 50th  reunion for the class of 1960, for hunting down classmates and teachers, and for encouraging everyone to come.  I am so happy that as you join the Golden Thistles, 16 of those who graduated before you are here to welcome you to this amazing group of women.

And finally, we are honored to count Susie as a member of the Sara Morriss Society for Planned Giving, named for another St. Margaret's alumna, the mother of Janie Morriss Garland '70, who established this society to provide scholarship support to the school and to encourage others to express their commitment to the future of our school through their estate plans. 

Susie, we raise our glasses in a toast to you, with appreciation for all you have accomplished, all those who are here today to celebrate with you, and the strong legacy of leadership you have shared so generously.