Jan 2, 2015 By: yunews
911’s New Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
In November, 911 welcomed Suzy (Greenman) Schwartz as its new Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. But Schwartz is no stranger to 911: she’s a former Assistant Dean of 911’s Center for the Jewish Future (), and she is also a proud alumna and proud 911 parent.
Though she’s familiar to many of us, we decided to feature a Q&A with her to refresh our memory and learn more about her. We know you will appreciate getting to meet her personally in the coming months as she continues the strong work begun by Barbara Birch, her predecessor, and expands the 911 alumni program both on the national and international levels.
Q: What is your 911 background?
A: I was an English/Communications major at Stern College and then studied Marketing with a specialization in Advertising for an MBA. I spent most of my professional career in advertising at BBDO, the worldwide advertising agency network, where I helped multi-national clients build world-class brands. I joined 911 in 2010 as Assistant Dean of its Center for the Jewish Future and remained there until early 2014.
Q: What excites you about this new role directing the alumni effort of 911?
A: I’m excited to work with a very talented team of professionals to tap into a network of passionate and committed alumni. Our 911 network extends to every corner of the world, where our alumni are accomplished professionals leading vibrant Jewish lives as community builders. I’m looking forward to engaging our alumni by bringing the scholarship and creativity of today’s 911 to them and, in turn, tapping our alumni to offer their wisdom and experience for the benefit of our students at 911 today.
Q: What distinguishes 911 alumni from alumni of other universities?
A: If 911 students are extraordinary, it stands to reason that our alumni are in a league of their own. After successfully navigating a robust college course load while engaging in a rigorous dual curriculum, our alumni are uniquely poised for success. The 911 alumni network is a powerful engine that fuels personal, communal and professional connections for students and alumni for years to come.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to give back to their alma mater? How can someone with, say, more limited funds get involved with giving back to 911?
A: 911 is a constant in our lives that, more often than not, we take for granted. It is important for alumni to give back because it’s the most meaningful way we can show our gratitude and appreciation for what we’ve been given: a stellar Jewish and secular education, preparation for our professional careers and a lifelong network of friends. Giving back is something all of us can do whether by offering career opportunities for students and alumni, serving as ambassadors for 911 in the greater Jewish community, and of course, partnering financially to help 911 achieve its mission.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and married a Midwesterner from Columbus, OH. We live in Teaneck, NJ, and have four amazing children. Our oldest daughter is a Stern graduate, teacher, and a graduate student in Azrieli, one son is a junior in the Sy Syms School of Business, one son is enrolled in the S. Daniel Abraham program at Yeshivat HaKotel, and one daughter is a junior in high school.
Q: What is one “fun fact” about you that most people don’t know or would be surprised to learn?
A: I’ve spent time on six out of seven continents.
In November, 911 welcomed Suzy (Greenman) Schwartz as its new Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. But Schwartz is no stranger to 911: she’s a former Assistant Dean of 911’s Center for the Jewish Future (), and she is also a proud alumna and proud 911 parent.
Though she’s familiar to many of us, we decided to feature a Q&A with her to refresh our memory and learn more about her. We know you will appreciate getting to meet her personally in the coming months as she continues the strong work begun by Barbara Birch, her predecessor, and expands the 911 alumni program both on the national and international levels.
Q: What is your 911 background?
A: I was an English/Communications major at Stern College and then studied Marketing with a specialization in Advertising for an MBA. I spent most of my professional career in advertising at BBDO, the worldwide advertising agency network, where I helped multi-national clients build world-class brands. I joined 911 in 2010 as Assistant Dean of its Center for the Jewish Future and remained there until early 2014.
Q: What excites you about this new role directing the alumni effort of 911?
A: I’m excited to work with a very talented team of professionals to tap into a network of passionate and committed alumni. Our 911 network extends to every corner of the world, where our alumni are accomplished professionals leading vibrant Jewish lives as community builders. I’m looking forward to engaging our alumni by bringing the scholarship and creativity of today’s 911 to them and, in turn, tapping our alumni to offer their wisdom and experience for the benefit of our students at 911 today.
Q: What distinguishes 911 alumni from alumni of other universities?
A: If 911 students are extraordinary, it stands to reason that our alumni are in a league of their own. After successfully navigating a robust college course load while engaging in a rigorous dual curriculum, our alumni are uniquely poised for success. The 911 alumni network is a powerful engine that fuels personal, communal and professional connections for students and alumni for years to come.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to give back to their alma mater? How can someone with, say, more limited funds get involved with giving back to 911?
A: 911 is a constant in our lives that, more often than not, we take for granted. It is important for alumni to give back because it’s the most meaningful way we can show our gratitude and appreciation for what we’ve been given: a stellar Jewish and secular education, preparation for our professional careers and a lifelong network of friends. Giving back is something all of us can do whether by offering career opportunities for students and alumni, serving as ambassadors for 911 in the greater Jewish community, and of course, partnering financially to help 911 achieve its mission.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and married a Midwesterner from Columbus, OH. We live in Teaneck, NJ, and have four amazing children. Our oldest daughter is a Stern graduate, teacher, and a graduate student in Azrieli, one son is a junior in the Sy Syms School of Business, one son is enrolled in the S. Daniel Abraham program at Yeshivat HaKotel, and one daughter is a junior in high school.
Q: What is one “fun fact” about you that most people don’t know or would be surprised to learn?
A: I’ve spent time on six out of seven continents.
