In Memory of Dr. Sue Schmitt

Jeffrey Zacko-Smith

I will always remember Dr. Schmitt as a committed academic and as someone who strove for perfection and modeled leadership in many ways; and for how complimentary she was over the single error she found in my 206-page doctoral dissertation. :-)

Michael Silver

Dr. Sue Schmitt leaves a lasting legacy to the College of Education. I will always remember her strong sense of purpose and presence. Like the diamondwood gifts she often bestowed, Sue was multi-faceted and uniquely special. She generously shared her knowledge, experience, values, and wisdom with others to make the College of Education better. I will miss her!

Jeri Staley-Earnst

Dr. Schmitt's commitment and long leadership at Seattle University represents the best of her and the best of the university. Beyond the College of Education, Sue touched many of us with her soft humor, deep wisdom and mentorship. She will be greatly missed.

Father Tony Harris, SJ

I consider my life richer for having known Sue. She was an outstanding woman with a commitment to excellence and to innovation. She lived the SU mission in so many ways and encouraged others to do the same. She will be missed, but she made her mark.

A. G. Rud

I didn't have time to get to know Sue well as a fellow dean in the state, but I appreciated her warmth in welcoming me as new to WA in 2010. Her quiet intelligence and warm hospitality stood out for me.

Allen Glenn

Sue Schmitt was a fellow dean, good colleague, and one who cared deeply about education. Her contributions to professional education made a difference in our state. We will miss her, but were blessed to have known her.

Casey Corr

Sue was a great champion of Seattle U's College of Education and a recognized leader of the profession. She was a joy to work with. I'm saddened to hear of her passing. She will be missed.

James Harvey

Dean Schmitt made wonderful contributions to Seattle University and the Seattle area. She was particularly proud of the fact that several hundred superintendents and doctoral candidates educated at Seattle University spread the institution's legacy of "leaders for a just and humane world" throughout the Pacific Northwest. She was a warm and empathetic person who made it possible for me to continue my doctoral studies while the EDLR program was being reconstituted, when it would have been very easy for her to tell me to start all over again. She was a model for all of us on how to face life's slings and arrows with great courage, fortitude, and optimism.

Catherine Walker

It's impossible for me to think of Seattle U without Sue Schmitt. I send my deep sympathy to the entire SU community. How does one adequately convey the effervescence Sue shared every day? We worked on many interesting "issues" together and, despite the seriousness of some of them, Sue always maintained a sense of proportion and perspective (and certainly humor!). She was a priceless gift in the lives of the multitude of us who knew her, and Seattle U was an enduring gift in her life. May eternal peace and comfort be yours, Sue.

Joe Orlando

Sue was a faith-filled leader at the College of Education, with a great commitment to her colleagues and a willingness to give her all to help the college progress. I will miss her humor and her generosity, and I will always remember her example as someone who faced life's challenges with courage and persistance.

Bernie Liang

I thank Sue Schmitt for her leadership through the years. As a alum of the Student Development Administration program and the School of Education, I was consistently struck by Sue's commitment to education and students. Her passion was complimented by her cool and calm demeanor. She will be missed.

Pat Whitney

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Sue at one of my first faculty/staff convocations at Seattle U. We talked about the pleasure of hot coffee in the morning, the issues of navigating the carpet in the tent - normal things - but she shared that she was a poet. Such an intimate moment that made me feel so very close to her! I will always remember her in that place and time and miss her deep passion and warm smile.

Mary Kay McFadden

Dean Sue Schmitt gave so much to Seattle University and the College of Education. She was devoted to her students, faculty and staff and she was a tireless advocate for education. I'm sad that her retirement and life was cut short but I hope it provides comfort to realize the tremendous impact she had on so many lives and this great university. God bless you, Sue and peace be with you.

John Jacob Gardiner

Dean Sue Schmitt brought heart and spirit to the College of Education community. She was a servant leader who put students first and made the celebration of faculty and staff successes central to all her gatherings of the whole. Sue faced all challenges- personal and professional - with courage and grace. I will miss her smile, her big heart, her insights, and her sense of humor. Sue, may you find joy in God's presence always.

Jeff Sanderson

Sue was a visionary and inspirational leader. She dedicated her life to making the College of Education among the finest institutions of its kind. She lived true to the mission of the University and instilled the values of ethics and service to the community to every student and faculty member. I was privileged to work with her on a number of projects and serve for several years on her advisory committee. On a personal note, without her I would have never met my wife, and for that alone I am truly grateful.

Jamie Asaka

I will always remember the wisdom and passion that Dean Schmitt shared with her students as she spoke about education, social justice and service. She always appeared so strong and courageous and I appreciate the time and dedication she gave to making us all stronger students and educators.

Therese Willkomm

Sue was college professor, my mentor, and my friend. As a student with a disability, Sue always believed that performance on standardized tests were not necessarily indicators of future success. She believed in the value of assistive technology and universal design to enable all students to succeed.  I am thrilled that there will be a scholarship fund in her name to continue to support disadvantage students.  She was my hero, my advocate, and my guardian angel. She was the wind beneath our wings that enabled all of us to soar.  As we all slept comfortably in our beds at night, it was Sue that made sure that everything was being taken care, such as working on accreditation, a grant proposal, or putting out fires that other people created.  Sue has accomplished so much in her life and her spirit will live on in the thousands of lives that she has touched and influenced.

John A. Moore

Everyone who knew Sue respected her for intelligence, passion, devotion, independence and wit. I will always remember spending time with her while she was working on her doctorate, lighting off fireworks with her, and most of all exploring Germany with Sue and her nephew Chris. I miss you Sue.

Daisy Arredondo Rucinski

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this note. During her tenure at Seattle University, Dr. Sue Schmitt made a huge impact on the faculty, the students, the SU community, and the Educational Programs she supervised. She cared deeply about all of these and made positive contributions to almost everything she touched. Her caring and gracious interpersonal style was always appreciated. She will be deeply missed.

Wanda Williams

I never met Dr. Schmitt personally, but, I've read about her strong leadership style throughout her years in the College of Education in my Alumni magazines. She always struck me with having consistency of purpose and forward thinking. My prayers and condolences to her family and to those at this great institution who will miss her.

Dr. Patty Meyers

Dr. Schmidt joined the faculty while I was an Ed. D. student. She brought a standard of academic to her work with students and with her colleagues that I highly respected. She was a good role model and teacher. I thank God for her life and service.

Connie Lambert

Those of us at CWU who knew and worked with Sue over the years remember her as a strong advocate for education in Washington. We will miss her passion and wisdom.

Mahnaz Javid

I am absolutely shocked and deeply morn this terrible loss for all of us. I very much loved and respected Sue and will miss her presence terribly. My deepest regrets to our friends of SeattleU.

Geneva Foster

I am sad to hear of Dr. Schmitt's passing. I often look at the wooden "egg" sculpture she gave me and think fondly about our time together; how she supported me in my studies and engaged me in co-curricular actives. Although I have been away from Seattle for 13 years, I miss Dr. Schmitt in a way that I have not until this moment.

Ki Gottberg

Yes, she was an excellent educator and champion of Seattle U. But in addition, she had a generous heart. I ran into Sue one day near Children's Hospital-she was on her way to her beauty parlor, where she enjoyed relaxing and getting gussied up. She knew my daughter was very ill with cancer...and right then she bought me a gift certificate for a pedicure! That hour of pampering meant so much to me...I wish I could thank her again in person.

John Topel, S. J.

I served on the search committee that brought Sue to Seattle University. In 32 years there, it was certainly one of the most important things I did for Seattle University.

Richard Arends

It is with great sadness that I am writing this. Sue and I came to Seattle University in the same year. She came as Dean of the College of Education. I had just been moved to Seattle from Connecticut to temporarily assume the Boeing Endowed Chair. Subsequently we lived on opposite shores of the country, however we managed to stay in touch with notes, emails, and occasional conference lunches. I will remember Sue as a leader with a real sense of purpose who cared deeply about education. She made major commitments to the tasks she took on and always kept students in the forefront of her thinking. I will also remember her as a loving individual who made strong connections with all with whom she worked, including me. She gave so much and will be missed by so many.

Susan E. Picht

What sad news! I heard from Sue when she announced her retirement (I was her Realtor 16 years ago when she purchased her home). I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her at Seattle University events. She was a great attribute of SU and the College of Education!

Wilda Heard

My condolences to Dean Schmitt's Family.

Corie Golub

I am very saddened to hear of Dean Schmitt's passing...I enjoyed my association with her and found her a very gracious woman. I look forward to knowing how else we can honor her passing and memory.

Sister Joyce M. Cox

I will be there in spirit and prayer for Sue. I am sure this is a most difficult time and one that brings many memories of Sue as she taught, served as Dean and moved around the campus where I sometimes met and talked with her. SU’s School of Education with Sue touched many lives and we stand together in gratitude for Dr. Sue Schmidt….May she know the full embrace of our loving God.

Ray Padilla

I remember Sue as a wonderful and commited person that truly cared for students. Dr. Schmitt will be missed.

Tomas Ybarra

I offer my deepest condolences to Sue's family and to the Seattle University family for whom she was a shining light. Sue had a passion for student access and student achievement, and a way of making people feel valued and empowered. Thank you so much, Sue.

Carlito Umali

I am forever grateful for her leadership. She stood for the principles of social justice and equity. Because of her work, I was able to attend SU’s Master in Teaching program. Moreover, she could see the power in our work as teachers, counselors, and administrators. Whether it was at large events, small class meetings, or in the hall way, she would remind us of the importance and impact of our work. I am happy to have met her and be graced by her lovely spirit. Dean, you are truly missed.

dolly moore

Sue was a very strong and courageous woman, and I will miss her greatly, but I am so thankful that I got to spend 16 fun filled days with her in August! She truly enjoyed our cruise to Alaska, and I feel confident that she is now cruising in heaven on her angel wings!!

Brandy Statler Long

I worked with Sue through two NCATE accreditations, including the one this year. Her passion for the department and it's success could be seen with her desire for perfection in the documentation, visual aids, and events provided to the NCATE committee.

Ian Scofield

I knew Sue from working at Public Safety. While I never had the chance to study with her, I got to help her out and talk with her. Whenever I walked by on or off work I would always at the least receive a smile to make any bad day better. Most times we would end up stopping and talking. I never had a bad conversation with Sue.

joy patman

dean schmitt was a leader in the s.u. community and an adovcate for educational integrity in the school of education. i know she spent many a late afternoon and early evening in her office and on campus working on things that ultimately benefit us all in some way. she gave of herself in so many ways. we are all better for having known and worked with her. que en paz descanse.

Bob Hughes

At his brother's funeral, Edward Kennedy said of his brother Bobby that, "Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not." That’s a sentiment that I’d apply to Sue Schmitt, too. She always looked at what could be better. But she was more than just a visionary. Sue was the remarkable combination of visionary and pragmatist. She could see what needed to be done and know how to fix it. She always looked at the issues from what was possible and then knew how to make the possible practical. I will miss her immensely.

June Canty

I really admired Sue and her quiet leadership. I never saw her flustered and was always impressed with her wisdom, her caring for individuals, and her masterful management skills. She made a very positive contribution to education and I will miss her.

marilyn emery

I had briefly chated with Sue on our roadway on Friday as she was off to a meeting at SU. I kidded her about this "retirement" she was supposed to be starting. Our neighborhood is also sad with this loss. I do hope she is flying freely without the earthly challenges she faced everyday..

Professional Educator Standards Board members and

We deeply appreciated Dr. Schmitt’s commitment and contributions to excellence in the preparation of Washington educators. Our condolences to her family and her many friends in the education community.

Coleen Putaansuu

It’s hard to imagine Seattle University without Sue. Her impact on the School of Education will be long lasting. She will be missed.

Connie Anthony

Sue Schmitt was a wonderful mentor.During those moments at SU, when I had academic administrative responsibilities, she was someone who helped me see the big picture. She was an early advocate for diversity on campus and one of the first deans to put it at the center of her agenda. She had an excellent sense of humor, which allowed her to do her job with grace. A tireless advocate for the faculty, her voice will be missed.

Jerry Klug

I didn't know Dean Schmitt so well. I knew Sue Ann. Memories, over 50 years old, of Sue are mixed with those of her family. We'd relive and laugh over many of them when we'd meet at Christmas. Those who knew Dean Schmitt, won't be surprised that most of the time it was the next breakfast that would be my treat. I'll miss redoing those old memories with Sue.

Peter and Pam Ansingh

We will remember Sue Schmitt as a woman of courage, dignity, and grace. Over the years, Sue's courage paved the way for steady and insightful leadership in the College of Education. Her dignity was manifest in the way students and faculty were treated with fairness as she allowed all voices to be heard. Because of her grace, we experienced service to others as an example to follow. Sue's contribution to Seattle University will continue to be shaped by those who knew her and her legacy will carry on through the leaders she so inspired. It has been an honor and priviledge to know her.

Sarah Rensel

My prayers go out to family and especially to Dr. Schmitt's coworkers at the College of Ed

Bob Duniway

I started working with Sue many years after she assumed the role of dean, and I was impressed that she was still highly engaged, energetic and committed to improving the college's programs and fulfilling the college's mission. She was a woman who clearly had a sense of calling to her work, and from that calling she made significant contributions to the college, to the university and to the world. She will be missed, and she will live on in the many lives she touched.

Patty Weston

I know I'm not alone as an appreciative MIT graduate from the College of Education. I admired Dean Sue Schmitt's leadership, intelligence, and humor. The MIT program is great because of the people at SU that make it happen, and I know that Sue was a respected and esteemed colleague. I'm very sorry for her loss to our community, her colleagues, and her friends and family. I would bet that she would not want us to lose focus or hope however, but to remember her fondly and take inspiration from her memory.

Rita Lin

Dear Dean Dr. Sue Schmitt, I cannot describe what the world would be like without your presence: You have shown us that anything can be achieved effectively and efficiently through collaborative efforts across campus. You have shown how much you valued everyone and their role in contributing to the school. Earlier this summer, you called our office about payments to the independent contractors because you wanted to make sure that they were paid on a timely basis. This could have been done through the budget manager, but you called yourself. You have shown that despite physical challenges, you never lose hope that the slightest bit of joy in life will always exits. You have made a positive impact on the Seattle U community, and the world. You are AWESOME!

Megan Lashley

A wonderful woman of integrity whose actions matched the words she spoke. You will be missed. God bless!

Dr. Barbara L. Casey

Dean Sue exemplified exceptional leadership and grace in the lives and professional careers of so many, especially in my life. She was instrumental in directing and advocating for my first principalship experience and she remained loyal and committed to my professional growth as a servant leader in education. She led with true integrity and belief. I will miss her gifts and her proactive words of inspiration and support. Most of all, I will miss her heartfelt kindness and love. My condolences to her family. Dean Sue thank you for everything.....you will forever matter in my life...always.

Margy and Terry Ingram

Sue Schmitt was our colleague and friend during her years at UW-Stout. We truly admired her dedication, vision, spirit, wit, and her innate ability inspire consensus among professionals with diverse ideologies. Her passion for innovative, flexible, accessible, educational opportunities for everyone is legendary. Sue was a consummate leader who sparkled with compassion; cared deeply for students, colleagues, friends, and family; and enjoyed many mischievous moments along her journey. Rest in peace Sue, and run freely once more.

Dian Simons Blom

It is with heavy heart that I write about my colleague and friend, Sue Schmitt. I admired her greatly for being such a positive leader and mentor. I felt very valued and appreciated when I worked as one of her Assistant Deans. We had many good times together in our travels.

Lauren Divina

Though I just met Dr. Schmitt briefly in one of the PD days in the campus, she was able to make me feel as if we have known each other for sometime. She was a true leader; she knew how to connect with people. When she retired, I had hoped to see her longer as a member of our great community here in Seattle, especially in the field of education. Deep condolences to her family!

Melissa Dahl

Sue gently pushed me for years to go back to school and get a doctorate and I gently pushed back. It's only now that I realize how much her belief in me meant. I'll miss her.

Marcella Hunter

I was both shocked and saddened by the loss of Dr. Sue Schmitt. Not long ago, I was looking at the wooden "egg shaped" key ring she gave me and to each graduating student. I was thinking how she said everyone was unique. In my mind, she was also saying how special each and every new teacher was too. She was a great educator and leader. She will be greatly missed.

Eugene Trani

Sue Schmitt was, to all who had the privilege of knowing her, a rare and very special person. I first met Sue when she was my intern when I was Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Wisconsin System. Sue was an exemplary individual, and a highly effective university colleague. I count myself very fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Sue, and, like everyone else who knew and worked with her, we all learned from her. She will be greatly missed, but forever appreciated.

Dick Williams

I was so saddened to learn of Sue's passing. While I was merely an adjunct professor in the Ed. Leadership program, Sue often would take time from her busy schedule to would put a card in my mail box expressing her appreciation for my teaching and student advising. She was always very generous and thoughtful in considering my compensation and concerns. She made wonderful contributions to her chosen field of study and to the SU College of Education. I served under several college deans during my career; I would consider one of the best. My condolences to her loved ones and to the College of Education in their loss of a wonderful leader and friend.

Paul A. Stoot, Sr.

I cannot begin to express the shock that I felt when I read the e-mail announcing that Dean Schmitt had passed away. She was such an incredible person who gave so much of herself to Seattle University. I was blessed to be able to consider this extraordinary woman not only a friend, but a mentor as well. She had such wisdom and she was willing to share it. When I joined the Board of Regents and was asked to serve on the College of Education Advisory Committee, she was incredibly welcoming and patient in answering my questions about Seattle University in general and the College of Education in particular. Our backgrounds were incredibly different, but we had common ground in the importance of ensuring that a quality education was available for people of all ages, from the children in the Learning Academy that I founded in Everett to the students in the College of Education that she so carefully and lovingly guided. We need more people like Sue Schmitt in this world. She will be missed greatly, but her legacy and Seattle University will continue.

Jim Whitehead

The best dean I've ever known. Sue had so much honesty and humility that she could exhibit her healthy contempt for bs and hardly upset anybody! My sympathy to her colleagues, friends, and family for the loss of a wonderful lady.

Mary K. Walker

From Henry Van Dyke: I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails in the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sky and sea come to mingle together. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone". Gone? Gone where? She is gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar and just as strong in beam as when she left my side. She is just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment that someone at my side says, "She is gone", there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" Safe journey and rest in peace, dear friend. We will always miss you.

Mimi Krsak

I loved chatting with Sue in August. I gave her the raspberries about being on campus, and she said she was down to a few things on her to do list. She was so excited about her Alaska cruise, and I'm delighted she had such a great time with her family on that dream trip. I look at her photo every day, and can't believe she is gone, and I deeply regret not being able to read her book. She lived and died with class. I love her and miss her.