An advocate for the health, education, and well-being of children, Susan Jandernoa is a dedicated member of the Grand Rapids community. Through her work as an educator and advocate, Jandernoa has changed lives and made a lasting impact. In honor of Jandernoa’s numerous contributions, Aquinas College will honor her with an Honorary Doctorate of Education during the 2014 Commencement ceremony.

Jandernoa always wanted to be a teacher. After completing her education, she began teaching in the Catholic school system and continued with the East Grand Rapids Public Schools for thirty years. Jandernoa herself was a product of the Catholic school system. She views her Catholic high school education as a huge advantage because the school brought in students from the greater community rather than just her neighborhood. This gave her the connections she needed to get involved in many Catholic causes later in her life.

Now, ten years after retiring, Jandernoa is involved in bettering education from all angles. One of her passions is early childhood education and school readiness. She is on the advisory board for the Dean of Education at the University of Michigan, which allows her to help shape the teachers who will be entering the school system. Education, Jandernoa said, “is everything. Being educated gives you all the choices in the world.”

Recently, Jandernoa was appointed by the governor to the board of the Health Endowment Fund for the state of Michigan “It’s fun to start something from the very beginning,” Jandernoa said of this new venture. Jandernoa does not turn away from opportunities, even when they push her to do new things. “When you take off in a new direction, you’re out of your comfort zone,” she said. “I’ve always been willing to do that. I’m not afraid to fail. I’m more interested in stretching myself.”

Some of Jandernoa’s greatest inspiration comes from her parents. She saw their involvement with education in their community as well as their support for their church. “I came from a big family, so I’m used to a lot of activity; I have a high energy level,” Jandernoa said. She also has a great appreciation for the presence of a small Catholic college in the community. Her parents, among several other members of her extended family, are Aquinas alumni. Jandernoa has memories of being a small child and playing on the lions in front of Holmdene while visiting her great aunt – a Dominican nun who served as the treasurer of the College.

The most rewarding part of Jandernoa’s work in the community is seeing the difference she makes in people’s lives, particularly in the lives of children. Jandernoa experiences this most poignantly being on the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some of her other work in the past and present includes partnering with her husband on a project at Mercy Health Saint Mary's, the Lacks Cancer Center, and the Dominican Center at Marywood. Jandernoa would love to see more people become involved in the community, especially through their careers. “The Grand Rapids and West Michigan community is a very generous and philanthropic community and I like being part of that.” With more people contributing their various talents, the community will continue to grow.

Jandernoa encourages college students to do just that. “Get involved in things you’re close to,” she advised. Jandernoa suggests choosing something outside one’s career path, but related. Start small, then take the next steps. “Don’t be afraid to take the leap into the greater community.”