Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis has been tied to Lake Erie College’s education program for seven decades as a student, alumna and supporter, and now the college’s School of Education bears her name.
The Painesville college renamed the school the Suzanne (Schoedinger) Ellis ‘59, ‘87 School of Education at an April 7 event. College officials, students and other community members gathered in the college’s Garfield Building, where Ellis worked during her educational career.
“Today is truly a special moment for Lake Erie College and for our school of education,” said school dean Greg Rothwell. “Moments like this invite us to pause, not just to celebrate but to recognize a legacy that will shape the future of this institution for generations.”
A college news release called Ellis “a dedicated alumna, teacher, board of director member and supporter of Lake Erie College whose philanthropy has helped strengthen opportunities for students and academic programs across campus.”
Rothwell described Ellis as a “champion” for the school who has served on advisory committees, donated to the school and maintained an interest in its activities.
“Because of Sue, and because of this legacy, we will continue to prepare the next generation of educators to be that champion for our students for years and generations to come,” Rothwell said.
Lake Erie College President Jennifer Schuller said that Ellis has been tied to the college for decades, “not just as an alumna, but as a volunteer, an advocate, a mentor and a friend.”
“There are many ways to support a college,” Schuller said. “Sue has done all of them and more. She has given her time generously, she has lent her voice thoughtfully, she has shown up again and again for students, for faculty and for this community. But perhaps most importantly, she has done all of this with a kindness and humility that define who she is.”
She said renaming the school was “a recognition of a legacy, a legacy of compassion, of generosity, of unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives.”
Patricia Nocero serves on the Lake Erie College board with Ellis. She said that Ellis has been “steadfast.”
Lake Erie College alumna and board of directors member Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis, left, receives a signed picture from the college’s school of education students on April 7. The college named the school of education after Ellis at that event. (Bryson Durst — The News-Herald)
Lake Erie College president Jennifer Schuller, left, college alumna and board of directors member Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis and school of education dean Greg Rothwell are pictured on April 7, after the college held an event naming its school of education after Ellis. (Bryson Durst — The News-Herald)
Lake Erie College alumna and board member Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis speaks at Lake Erie College on April 7, during an event when the college named its school of education after her. (Bryson Durst — The News-Herald)
Lake Erie College President Jennifer Schuller speaks at an April 7 event honoring college alumna and board of directors member Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis. The college named its school of education after Ellis. (Bryson Durst — The News-Herald)
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Lake Erie College alumna and board of directors member Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis, left, receives a signed picture from the college’s school of education students on April 7. The college named the school of education after Ellis at that event. (Bryson Durst — The News-Herald)
“It’s not just been your generosity,” Nocero said. “It’s been your time.”
Ellis said that she started at Lake Erie as a student in 1956 and has been there ever since. She said that it is personally significant that the school is housed in the Garfield Building. She taught kindergarten and second grade in the school that was once housed in that building, and her son started his education there.
“This is a great school, and I have confidence in the future of it and the future of education,” she said.
More recently, Ellis has served on the college’s board of directors and alumni board.
She said she accepted the honor of the school’s new name with “deep gratitude.”
“This school has molded the person I am and has influenced my life,” Ellis said. “The least I can do is to give back to the school that has done that.”
Rothwell said that he could not think of a better choice for the school’s name.
“If you were to ask me who we should name the school of education after, it definitely would be Sue, without a doubt, because she’s been the most active, long-term supporter of our school of education,” he said.
While Ellis’ name will go on the school, she feels that she is a representative of all of those who have supported it.
“What I do is a small, small amount compared to many,” she said. “I feel like I’m a representative to all the supporters of the school, it’s just that I’m getting the recognition, but many deserve it.”