Susan S. Speers ’51

Why I Made a Bequest

Susan S. Speers ’51 learned the importance of giving back at an early age. “A friend of my grandmother’s told me that when she came home from a birthday party, her mother wouldn’t ask her if she had had a good time; she would ask if she had ‘paid her way’.”

This question has resonated with Sue throughout her life. “It’s not enough to simply belong to an organization. I know I can pay back in various ways. Sometimes it can be as simple as helping to set up the meeting, or help to clean up after an event.” 

Sue’s deeply held values are also illuminated in her service and support of Bryn Mawr. Over the past six decades, Sue has served the College as a Trustee, as President of the Class of 1951 for many years, and as a District Counselor through the Alumnae Association.

Each year, for the past 63 years, Sue has made a gift to the Bryn Mawr Fund, to help meet current needs on campus. She is also committed to paying it forward through a bequest. As she thinks ahead to supporting the next generation of students, she acknowledges how Bryn Mawr has influenced her life in so many ways.  

“Bryn Mawr has given me life-long friendships with extraordinary women, equipped me with lively interests and pursuits, and, most of all, it instilled in me a life-long fascination with learning that has helped me to keep growing as I age.”