Thursday, December 4, 2008

U of A Tribute to Susan

In thinking of ways to honor Susan and the wonderful life she lived, an idea was brought up to pay tribute to her at the upcoming ASU vs. U of A football game this Saturday in Tucson. Susan, as many of you know, competed for the University of Arizona as a member of both the cross country and track and field teams. She was also very involved in the student-athlete advisory board and also volunteered a significant amount of time working in the C.A.T.S. Community Service program. In these roles she had the opportunity to get to know and work with many Wildcat athletes, staff, trainers, and members of the athletic department administration. The idea of honoring Susan at the game was floated by a few people at the University (they know who they are, and to them we will be eternally grateful), and they took the idea and ran with it. They went above and beyond what any of us could ever expect and developed a picture tribute to Susan that will be shown on the big screen at the stadium between the 3rd and 4th quarters (you can see the picture below). The timeline on which this happened was incredibly short, and they dropped everything to get it done in time. Their willingness to do this is just another example of the number of lives that Susan managed to touch during her abbreviated stay on this earth. So if you happen to be at the game on Saturday, keep your eyes on the board and get your cameras ready! And for all of us current and former Wildcats out there, BEAR DOWN!!!

15 comments:

scott and linds said...

I love to read this because anyone who knows Susan knows that she can be friends with anyone and everyone. She has this ability to love. Love Everyone she meets no matter who they are. I know she touched the lives of every "Wildcat"- athlete, students, staff as well as everyone she's ever met. My heart breaks when I think about this whole situation, but I think of Susan, her example, her attitude, her love, and all I can do is smile. What an amazing person. She's done so much for me over the years and I look forward to seeing her again soon.. to tell her thank you for affecting my life the way she has.

thearringtonclan said...

ohhhhhhhhhhhh What a beautiful person. and it sounds like she is so well respected by everyone.. What a wonderful idea they have..
We send our love to Justin as he goes through this trial also.. Maxine

Anonymous said...

Susan, this is a heck of a way to convert a Sun Devil, but I'll be in the Wildcat red, white, and blue! Miaisha

Jen said...

What an awesome tribute!
This truly shows how many lives she has touched.

Brad, Briene and Brayden said...

What a perfect way to let everyone who doesn't know Susan see how beautiful of a person She is inside and out. She has influenced so many lives. I feel so blessed to have known Susan for so many years and have many great memories with her. She has touched my life and I am a better person for knowing her.

Andréa Morrow said...

I know one 3 year that loves Susan so much and knew she was special the minute she met her :)

Anonymous said...

That smile says it all! Susan, thank you for sharing with us so many times. God Bless & Bear Down!

Anonymous said...

You deserve this and more Susan! I am glad this could be done so quick, I only hope that we as your fellow Wildcats can continue to do more for you. This Sunday I am running in the Tucson Half Marathon and am dedicating my run to you! Always thinking of you. Whitney

Unknown said...

That is very thoughtful! Susan- You absolutely deserve it! If my kids weren't counting on seeing Santa this Sat. night, I would take all of us down there! I would even sport the Wildcat colors!
Hopefully someone will record it and post it on here or yout tube :)

Kyle said...

What a great tribute! Yay Susan!

Mike Steph Brooklyn and Carter said...

I love that picture of Suz because you can see her happiness through her eyes. She has always been able to light up a room and I am sure the thousands of people who see that picture will be able to tell what an amazing person she truly is. I have never rooted for U of A but I must say YAY for them for doing this, it is such an awesome tribute, I just might be rooting for them a little more in the future now! We love you Suz and hope you know how many lives you have touched. I am so grateful for all you have taught me over the years, you have always stood up for what you believe. Thanks for all you have done for all of us, WE LOVE YOU!!!

auntandy said...

She is wonderful girl. I have enjoyed getting to know her. Just like everyone she has touch a lot of lives. Please let her know that I am praying for her and your family at this time.

Andrea Pay

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful and deserving tribute to you. You have touched the lives of so many and continue to be an inspiration to us all. We honor you and feel blessed that you have been a part of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your sweet family.Susan, you will be in our hearts forever...The Otteson Family

Los Peña said...

Yay! Go Wildcats! Susan how amazing are you sister, a woman who has touched lives both in Tucson and Phoenix, Wildcats and Sun Devils alike!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Anonymous said...

As an east coast girl I never understood the whole ASU vs. UofA thing, but I may have to become a UofA fan for this one.

Susan - you were an inspiration in our ward (University Stake) and you continue to be an inspiration.