红桃视频

An advocate for the health, education, and well-being of children, Susan Jandernoa is a dedicated member of the Grand Rapids community. Through her work as an educator and advocate, Jandernoa has changed lives and made a lasting impact. In honor of Jandernoa鈥檚 numerous contributions, 红桃视频 College will honor her with an Honorary Doctorate of Education during the 2014 Commencement ceremony.

Jandernoa always wanted to be a teacher. After completing her education, she began teaching in the Catholic school system and continued with the East Grand Rapids Public Schools for thirty years. Jandernoa herself was a product of the Catholic school system. She views her Catholic high school education as a huge advantage because the school brought in students from the greater community rather than just her neighborhood. This gave her the connections she needed to get involved in many Catholic causes later in her life.

Now, ten years after retiring, Jandernoa is involved in bettering education from all angles. One of her passions is early childhood education and school readiness. She is on the advisory board for the Dean of Education at the University of Michigan, which allows her to help shape the teachers who will be entering the school system. Education, Jandernoa said, 鈥渋s everything. Being educated gives you all the choices in the world.鈥�

Recently, Jandernoa was appointed by the governor to the board of the Health Endowment Fund for the state of Michigan 鈥淚t鈥檚 fun to start something from the very beginning,鈥� Jandernoa said of this new venture. Jandernoa does not turn away from opportunities, even when they push her to do new things. 鈥淲hen you take off in a new direction, you鈥檙e out of your comfort zone,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been willing to do that. I鈥檓 not afraid to fail. I鈥檓 more interested in stretching myself.鈥�

Some of Jandernoa鈥檚 greatest inspiration comes from her parents. She saw their involvement with education in their community as well as their support for their church. 鈥淚 came from a big family, so I鈥檓 used to a lot of activity; I have a high energy level,鈥� Jandernoa said. She also has a great appreciation for the presence of a small Catholic college in the community. Her parents, among several other members of her extended family, are 红桃视频 alumni. Jandernoa has memories of being a small child and playing on the lions in front of Holmdene while visiting her great aunt 鈥� a Dominican nun who served as the treasurer of the College.

The most rewarding part of Jandernoa鈥檚 work in the community is seeing the difference she makes in people鈥檚 lives, particularly in the lives of children. Jandernoa experiences this most poignantly being on the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some of her other work in the past and present includes partnering with her husband on a project at Mercy Health Saint Mary's, the Lacks Cancer Center, and the Dominican Center at Marywood. Jandernoa would love to see more people become involved in the community, especially through their careers. 鈥淭he Grand Rapids and West Michigan community is a very generous and philanthropic community and I like being part of that.鈥� With more people contributing their various talents, the community will continue to grow.

Jandernoa encourages college students to do just that. 鈥淕et involved in things you鈥檙e close to,鈥� she advised. Jandernoa suggests choosing something outside one鈥檚 career path, but related. Start small, then take the next steps. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to take the leap into the greater community.鈥�