A Letter to Her Students

Susan’s daughter Wendy re-read every student letter to her mother in the last three months of her life.

Susan kept every single thing students sent her and filed them all away.

Dear Former Students:

Mom loved working with you, and continuing to celebrate your successes, and share in your challenges and losses throughout your lives. Every recital, job opportunity or loss, relationship developed, death in your family, travel plan, academic post, children and grandchildren born...she was there with you every step of the way. She kept every piece of memorabilia or correspondence relating to your lives both professional and personal that you shared with her, boxes and boxes of headshots, programs, alumni notes, letters, family photos and christmas cards. Many times over the years she read me your letters, or showed me the photos of your family with a huge smile, truly happy for the lives you had built. She wasn't just your teacher or mentor, she was your personal cheerleader and archivist.

I spent the last 3 months of her life reading every correspondence from the last 20 years to her, so she could revisit those connections, and also see the tremendous impact she had on your lives. I wanted to remind her of her value and contribution professionally and personally as we prepared for her death. I want you all to know that I'm thankful you gave her so much love and gratitude, and made a tremendous impact on her life! Thank you for sharing your lives with her. She treasured each and every one of you!

Susan’s daughter - Wendy Clickner Prescott