Kappa Alpha Theta - University of Missouri

THE THETA UPDATE 2 T he Investment of a Lifetime S U Z A N N E C A R P E N T E R ' 8 0 R E F L E C T S O N T H E T A L O V E 10.75" L ove at first sight is often left to the fairytales, but from the first moment Suzanne Carpenter '80 saw Kappa Alpha Theta during recruitment, she was in love. "It was a natural fit. I felt so welcomed and the women were so smart and kind that I had to be a Theta," Suzanne said. T H E I N V E S T M E N T Alpha Mu would become Suzanne's best investment she ever made. As a first-generation college student, Suzanne was learning as she went. She worked 30 hours a week to pay her tuition and Theta dues, all on her own. Through it all, Theta was there to accept her, celebrate her, care for her, and respect her. "This experience shaped my life and made me realize that anything was possible with commitment and hard work," she said. From left: Patty Gee Nicholson '76 (Suzanne's great-great pledge grandmother), Linda Wheeler McLerran '79 (Suzanne's pledge mom), Suzanne Neighbors Carpenter '80, and Cori Leonard Young '82 (Suzanne's pledge granddaughter). Patty and Cori took key leadership roles in the house renovation while Linda and Suzanne donated, making it a family affair. T H E R E W A R D Theta brought Suzanne women who truly inspired her to be the best she could be. These relationships formed became monumental in Suzanne's life. "During this time the foundation of my self-esteem was established, my personal growth accelerated, and I found lifelong friends that mean more to me than I can possibly express," she said. Suzanne went on to a successful career as regional sales manager at Rhythm Management (RM) at Boston Scientific. Boston Scientific products and technologies are used to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. She leads the RM sales team in areas of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Early in Suzanne's career, she was the only woman on a leadership team of over 50 men. Seeing the obvious need for diversity, she became committed to becoming a role model for change. "I have made it my mission to do my part in breaking barriers for women and minorities in the workplace," Suzanne said. She has had the privilege to work with others to realize their full potential. Most of all, she is proud she had the opportunity to do this and raise her two beautiful daughters. "I have overcome what seemed like insurmountable adversity not only in my career but in my personal life, but all my experiences have made me a better person," Suzanne shared. T H E C O M M I T M E N T Reflecting on her life, Suzanne knew she needed to support her home away from home. "I also admired the women behind the scenes leading the capital campaign," she said. Suzanne made her commitment by donating to the campaign. In a further commitment, Suzanne and her pledge mom, Linda McLerran '79, joined together to name the living room in honor of their mothers. "Both of our mothers loved Theta and would have been great Thetas if they would have had the opportunity," Suzanne said. "It was a unique opportunity to partner with my pledge mom to honor the two women we consider our heroes." Reach Suzanne at suzanne.carpenter@bsci.com.

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