One Of A Kind
Fifth in a series; featuring true heroes of the Spartan Foundation Annual Scholarship Fund Drive
(Editor’s note: When you want to get the goods on a gal from Texas...go to the fella from Oklahoma.)
Born and bred in Texas, Susanne B. Wilson...one of a kind. She raised three sons and when they were grown decided to go into politics. Susie could have been the first female governor of California, if she would’ve started at an earlier age. She served five-plus years on the San Jos City Council, became Vice-Mayor of San Jos, and served 12 years on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
While on the San Jos City Council she went back to school, which had been interrupted by her three sons, and got her B.A. from San Jos State in Social Science in 1976. She retired in 1991 from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Since then she’s been doing consulting, “Solutions by Wilson,” spending time with a whole host of grandkids, and working for the Spartan Foundation.
Every time a grand kid becomes 12-years-old, Susie takes them anywhere in the world they want to go. This year, she is taking her youngest grandchild on a big trip. She is not bashful about her age (she’ll be 81 on September 30) and she does love San Jos State.
In 1979, Susie started the Walk for Women of Sparta with San Jos State President Gail Fullerton. This was a time when women’s athletics did not get much financial help. The Walk raised one million dollars over a 10-year period. Susie has been an advocate for a level playing field for women in all aspects of life. This was the start of her passion for raising money for Spartan scholarships.
Help Susie carry the torch, join her on the Team Behind the Teams today; become a member of the Spartan Foundation by calling our office (408-924-1218), or go online to www.sjsuspartans.com/giving.
P.S.: Many thanks to C.D. for this feature.
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