Paying It Forward: How Susie Soper ’64 Hopes To Empower Future Generations of Wildcats

Susie Soper '64 is using a gift in her will to help ensure future generations benefit from a Westminster education.

Like many Westminster graduates, Susie Soper '64 didn't fully appreciate her Westminster experience until she went off to college followed by embarking on her journalism career. "For most of my first year of college, I was studying things I had already learned at Westminster. It finally hit me then what a really extraordinary education I had received," she says. "The valuable tools to focus, ask questions, assimilate, and write were crucial pieces of that education, too. When I returned to Atlanta 20 years later as a journalist, both CNN and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recognized my value as an Atlantan and graduate of Westminster who could connect with the city and its people. My background was definitely an entrée into many opportunities."

Susie has remained connected to many close friends from her Westminster days and valued reconnecting with many others during the Class of 1964's 50th Reunion. During the process of raising money for the scholarship fund that year, she learned firsthand how much Westminster and the student experience had evolved and how many opportunities-local and global-were now available. "I was so impressed with the breadth and depth of what is happening-students are now going all over the world to learn and grow and give," she says. "When I was at Westminster, about all we had was The Tallulah Falls Club!"

Recognizing the opportunities for students now, she says, "I would like to think, in a small way I could help those students who don't have the access or means to participate in those experiences."

In addition to her class's 50th Reunion gift and contributing annually to The Westminster Fund, Susie has also included the School in her will . "I have so much enthusiasm for Westminster students and trust the School will be a good steward of my modest gift," she says. "More than just investing in a large school, you're investing in preparing citizens who will be critical, creative, and accomplished. Westminster is doing the work-and play-it takes to send these young people out into the world. I wish I could go back and experience it all with them! Nevertheless, I'm proud that my gift will be part of my personal legacy."

To learn how you can support The Westminster Schools' future, like Susie, contact Lauren Flores at [email protected] or 404-609-6438.