A bit about myself: My introduction to SU came at an early age through my parents, Jim Bramer ’64 and Barbara Miles ’89. I toured the campus with them and attended church services in Weber Chapel, both influential experiences that shaped my views of Susquehanna. I eventually enrolled, in 1988, as a psychology major and, as is the case for many Susquehanna students, had experiences here that changed my life.

Beyond the classroom, I managed to hold several jobs across campus over four years to help pay for my education and was reminded of many of them – in the library, at the snack bar, in continuing education and as a student tutor – during a campus tour this week. While juggling work and classes, I also had the opportunity to volunteer, play in the concert band, and help lead the Acts 29 project. All of these elements contributed to a liberal arts education that I value and that has served me well since graduating.

During the last 15 years, I’ve completed a master’s degree, worked in a number of places, and raised a family of four kids. In fact, my stepdaughter will be a freshman at Susquehanna this fall.

Over the last four years, I served as the director of a branch campus of a local community college, one that has sent a number of its graduates to Susquehanna. So, I have had the chance to keep an eye on SU. I’m really proud of it, now more than ever. That’s because I’ve seen a number of “my students” flourish under SU faculty who are passionate about teaching and who regularly take the time to connect with and mentor undergraduates (which is not always the case at other schools). And now, I get to be a part of this environment. It’s really exciting.

I want to engage Susquehanna alumni in meaningful ways and believe that there are two primary sets of activity for doing that: (1) creating and sustaining community among us; and (2) supporting learning and connecting to students. I’ve been stunned over the last few weeks to discover that people I’ve worked with and known for years are Susquehanna graduates. And as I’ve had opportunities to connect with them, I’ve thought about how many more connections are out there to be made and developed across the alumni body. Communication is the key, and I want to improve that for us.

We are linked by the education we received, and our legacy exists in the 1,900 students who are here today. I believe we have a role to play in educating them about what it means to be a Susquehanna graduate. In us, today’s students can begin to see their own future possibilities, as well as the value in staying connected to SU and to each other.

I have a lot to learn, and I hope you’ll help me. I’m indebted to a number of people who have held this position, most recently Shari Trembulak ’93 Mangels, and have shaped the Alumni Association and program over many years. Now, I am eager to know what alumni think about Susquehanna, how Susquehanna can serve them, and how we can work together to create stronger ties among ourselves and with students. I view my work as a partnership with you – together we can make Susquehanna a place about which we can even more proudly boast.

Sincerely,
Becky Bramer ’92 Deitrick P’11