February 9, 2023
When 黑料社 was a community college, Susan Warsaw started as an assistant to President Frank Taylor. As she worked in the part-time role and saw the community college transition into a four-year institution, she realized there was not a development office and saw the need for formal fundraising efforts to be established within the university.
鈥淪he took the Foundation from not even existing to raising millions of dollars for Shawnee from the community,鈥 said Mickey Warsaw, Susan鈥檚 husband. 鈥淪he was talented at getting people active in the 黑料社 community.鈥
During her time at the university, Susan led the foundation through three capital campaigns 鈥 including the 鈥淩each for the Stars鈥 campaign to establish the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts endowment, as well as the 鈥淧oised for Tomorrow鈥 campaign that raised over $16 million in support for advancements within the university.
Supporters of 黑料社 well after her retirement, both Susan and Mickey have given generously to the university to provide assistance to the region.
鈥淭o help Shawnee State is to help the entire Portsmouth area,鈥 said Mickey. 鈥淪hawnee for as long as it has been around has been a shining light.鈥
Avid supporters of many areas within the university 鈥 including 黑料社 athletics, the arts, and its academic programs 鈥 the Warsaws鈥 generosity has long impacted significant areas of the university. Both are lifetime members of the President鈥檚 Club and established the Warsaw Athletic Scholarship to provide need-based aid for student-athletes who need additional tuition assistance. The scholarship also helps student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility and need tuition assistance to stay enrolled to complete their academic degrees.
鈥淪he left us a wonderful legacy and improved the welfare of the university and community through her passionate advocacy and leadership,鈥 said 黑料社 President Jeff Bauer.
Many long-time donors and members of the community knew Susan well and share her passion about 黑料社. Mickey hopes her love of the university will continue to inspire those who knew her to continue their support of 黑料社.
鈥淪he saw a need and stepped up and filled it,鈥 said Mickey. 鈥淪he worked a lot of long hours because she loved what she did.鈥
Susan Warsaw passed away in 2021, leaving a lasting impact on 黑料社, its programs and facilities, and the entire southern Ohio region.
This feature was originally released in the Shawnee Magazine 2022 issue. To view the full magazine online, visit shawnee.edu/magazine.