Suzan Howard Schafer Meiszner

Suzan Howard Schafer Meiszner, 67, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 16, 2011 from cancer. She was born in 1943 to Tony and Phyllis Sherman in Queens, NY and moved to Miami, Fl while still a child. Suzan received a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, with a major in Interior Architecture and Design. This training could be seen in each of her offices and homes as well as any friend that dared to ask for decorating assistance. Subsequently she earned a Masters and Doctorate in Education also at the University of Florida.

At the University of Florida she worked as the Director of Extended Services in Continuing Education. In 1978 Suzan became the Associate Director of Continuing Education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, with a special emphasis in programs for gifted youth. In 1984 she became the Dean of Continuing Studies at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. This position was later expanded to include Academic Affairs for Outreach, Multicultural and International Studies. In 1994 Suzan became the Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Daniel Webster College. Finally, in 2004 she retired to part time work as Grants Writer in the Department of Development, Advancement Division at Keene State College in Keene, NH.

Suzan consistently undersold herself and over delivered. Many members of her facilities and staffs have complimented her leadership style as both collegial and supportive. Her role in developing and improving academic programs and boosting careers of her colleagues will echo through higher education for years. For example, the gifted program at Texas Tech continues today and is now in its 30th year. This program has had over 7,000 participants who discovered the joy of exercising their intellect which will stay with them forever.

During her career, Suzan had a number of other positions and awards including membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Delta Kappa, membership in the National University of Continuing Education Association, American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow (class of 90-91). She participated in numerous college and university reviews for accreditation. She was a consultant for the US Air Force for their Quality Education System. Suzan was a Board Member for the Girl Scouts of the Swift Water Council and subsequently Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. She served on the Finance Advisory, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Street Light Committee in New Ipswich, Arts Council in Nashua, NH and Pittsburg, KS. Suzan was the chairman of the New Ipswich Democrats, a small but hearty band.

Suzan was a game kid enjoying biking and white water rafting. She had more fun than was proper working the fund drive phones for New Hampshire Public Radio, convincing callers to make larger pledges. She also enjoyed gardening, theater, traveling and especially socializing with family and friends. Suzan relished creating themed dinners for the Souhegan Country Club. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Woody Meiszner and her children Michelle McLaren of Corinth, TX and Adam Schafer of Portland, OR. Suzan has three grandchildren and a sister, Elza Jason of Albuquerque, NM. Suzan is also survived by a tribe of friends with whom she was a vibrant presence.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, 229 Main St., Keene NH 03435.

Suzan was cremated and will be holding court by her pergola this summer when a celebration of her life will be held. The date will be announced later.