Sign Sue's well-wishes book!

To All of Sue’s friends at the Kennedy School,

On behalf of Sue’s family, we thank all of you at the Kennedy School for the honor and affection shown to Sue at her life’s celebration in the Forum. As all of you can testify, working at the Kennedy School wasn’t just a job for Sue, it was her calling.

Sue revered KSG as a space for growth and change, and of course she loved “her” students. I’ve never met anyone who derived so much joy and satisfaction from her work. Sue couldn’t wait to arrive at the School each morning!

I know that many of you, as am I, are still in denial. How could that laughter and force of life be really gone? Our best solace, I think, is that Sue “got” the high esteem and affection in which she was held. With all of you, she knew she had created a “perfect” life. She said her greatest loss by dying so soon was her career at Harvard.

Thank you for your love of Sue. I promise you, Sue loved you back even more.

Joe Goodnough
(Sue’s Husband

Sue Williamson, Director of the Master in Public Administration (MPA) program at the Kennedy School, passed away on May 27 at her home in Watertown after battling cancer for several months. She was sixty years old. During her nearly twenty years at the School, she was legendary for her enthusiasm, optimism, and personal commitment to students. Here is a link to the Boston Globe obituary, or a PDF version here. In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that donations be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation or the Lake Sunapee Protective Association.

The KSG community gathered for a memorial service in her honor. KSG held the service in conjunction with the fall alumni weekend on Thursday, November 2 in the School’s John F. Kennedy, Jr. Forum. Here is a link to the service.

All of the comments added until October 16, 2006 have been compiled into hardback and paperback book forms. The hardback version can be seen here, and the paperback version here.

Also, the Kennedy School has established a fund to honor Sue’s many personal and professional contributions to the School during her nearly 20 years as Director of the MPA programs. The fund memorializes the warm and lasting impact of Sue’s life on all of us and makes real her remembrance for future generations of students, faculty, and staff. Income from the Fund will provide support for student aid at the Kennedy School with a preference for students in the Mid-Career program. Recipients will be advised of the source and inspiration of their support. We hope that contributions to the fund will allow it to reach the endowment threshold and enable it to exist in perpetuity to honor Sue’s legacy. To make a gift or ask any questions please contact Curtis Nelson, Office of External Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, 79 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 496-1535 or curtis_nelson@harvard.edu. Or simply send a check to Curtis’s attention, made out to “Harvard University” designating the Sue Williamson Memorial Fund on the memo line.

The KSG Alumni website has created a "Pictures of Sue" website. KSG alumni and friends of Sue are invited to email more jpeg photographs of Sue to sharon_alexandra@harvard.edu. Please include as much information about the photograph as possible.

There are 931 guestbook entries in 39 pages and you are on page number 1

Christopher Reichert (Class of 2005) wrote from United States on Sunday, May 27, 2007
I am thinking of Sue today...her laugh, her smile, her open door. My heart is always open to her and her family on this sad day. The joy she brought still lives on.

Andy Amuna (Class of sue) wrote from Ghana on Friday, April 06, 2007
she was such a strong woman who followed what she thought was right .may her soul rest in perfect peace.

Pol Klein (Class of 1997) wrote from United States on Sunday, December 10, 2006
I walked into the Kennedy School, not being ready for what I was pursuing. There was a special spirit there who personally welcomed me and was there for me always. And I was just one of thousands who walked that way, and for all she was there. [P] I wasn't ready for an angel Now, I smile as I look up remembering you Sue

Guy Stuart (Class of faculty) wrote from United States on Thursday, November 02, 2006

I served on the admissions committee with Sue for many years. We agreed on some decisions and disagreed on others. The warmth she brought to her work on the committee was great, and it permeated through the work of everyone else. Most people hate going to committee meetings, but I, and many others who served with Sue, looked forward to those meetings because they were so much fun -- and Sue was an important reason for that fun.
I also owe Sue a debt of gratitude that I was never able to express when she was alive. She was a big promoter of the courses I taught, and, as a result I was able to reach far more students than would otherwise have been possible. Thank you Sue.

Sandeep Taxali (Class of 1996) wrote from United States on Sunday, October 29, 2006

I still strongly remember the spirit and soul of Sue - 10 years post my graduation. Every now and then, I reminisce about the best years of my life, and my time at KSG stands at the top. And one reason has to do with the type of people KSG attracts at all levels. And Sue embodied the best of those traits. Sure, she was warm, friendly, caring, kind and the list goes on. She was also accountable and deeply cared about elevating the educational quality - year after year.
But where Sue simply stood out was here amazing appreciation and respect for the individual. Each student to her represented a special opportunity to ensure KSG worked for them. Coupled with an amazing smile and warmth that permeated her every gesture, I can only say that I will miss her, and am comfortable that the dear Lord will always bless her soul in Heaven for all the love that she offered us.
Thanks for the memories and your spirit Sue,
Sandeep Taxali

Jo-chin Wang Chi (Class of 2001) wrote from Taiwan on Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I was very shocked to learn of Sue's sad news. My heart is filled with sorrow.
Sue was one of the few people I met on my first day at KSG. Her kind and loving gesture drove all my worries away. The wise stories she told us once in a while impressed me a lot, and I am still using these stories to inspire other people.
Sue, you have demonstrated to us a worthy life, that is caring, loving and helping others, so that they can care, love and help others, and thus together we make the world better.

Aye Aye Yee (Class of 2004) wrote from Myanmar on Friday, October 06, 2006

Dated: 31st May 2006
Dear Friends,

The news of Sue came to me very shockingly...
Sue has been a very open, warm hearted, ever ready to help kind of a person. I remember her with Polaroid camera, taking pictures during orientation week, commanding us to make a very short introduction at the introduction session, stressing the importance of plageriasm during perparation weeks, cheering us in all Mid career seminars and finally trying to read our names correctly for the commencement day.

As an international student, Sue's encouragements and cultural sensitiveness really made me at ease as I know there is at least one person I can turn into if there is any maladjustments to the culture of KSG.

We all will really miss her. In memory of Sue, we should help her wishes and commitments for students fulfilled and kept alive. One way for those who live close to KSG could be to offer time to participate as speaker in the Mid-career seminars. Sue will love to see these activities keeping alive which are a very strong learning moments for at least for me.

With sadest heart,
Aye

Shyamala Shukla (Class of 2002) wrote from India on Friday, October 06, 2006

The year at Cambridge was memorable for a number of reasons. But an all pervading memory is of Sue Williamson standing in the quadrangle in front of KSG in the morning and welcoming each student with a smile and a personal greeting. I do not know whether this was deliberate on her part or she just happened to be there at that particular time on a number of occasions. But her smile and the strength that seemed to radiate from her would keep me energised for the entire day.Thanks, Sue.

Roberta Oster Sachs (Class of 03) wrote from United States on Thursday, October 05, 2006

My Dear Sue:
You are so very missed by me and my family. You brought light and love and laughter into our lives. You encouraged me to apply to the midcareer MPA program and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I will forever be grateful for the guidance you provided me while I was there from 2002-03 and in the years to follow. I treasure you, I respect you, I love you...and I miss you.
To Joe and thousands of others who love Sue:
Sue and I worked together on the weekly midcareer seminars - often spending a few hours a week planning, organizing and strategizing about how we could showcase the incredible work of the students in this class. Sue was my touchstone - she
was "hands off" - but she held my hand when I needed it (I was Chair of the committee that organized the seminars). This experience was one of the highlights of my year at KSG - and it was Sue's guidance that made it great for all of us.
When I got pregnant with our daughter (the first week of school)! it was Sue who said - "Hey, your baby will get a
free year at Harvard...enjoy!" and Sue who told me it was ok to start every day with Dunkin Donuts at 8am as a pre-breakfast before the real breakfast I had at 9am and the snack at 11 - preceeding lunch at 12 and snack at 2. As a pregnant mid-career, I spent lots of time snacking with Sue...and when I was asked to be the opening act for our end of the year cabaret - to sing "Summertime" - weighing in at over 200 lbs, - it was Sue who said - "go for it. Big is beautiful." She made all of us feel beautiful.
Sue had humor and wisdom mixed with softness and heart.
She is one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. She was my mentor, my advisor, my friend. When she came to our house for dinner with Joe, I didn't want to let them leave! I miss her. I love her. I treasure her.
My love and deepest condolences to Joe and the entire family. Your loss is our loss, is the world's loss.
But what we gained from Sue has changed all of us - and she is probably reading all these messages and printing them out and hanging them all up on the door of whatever beautiful space she is living in now. I hug her...
With love,
Roberta Oster Sachs Mid Career MPS 03

Kerry Hurwitz (Class of 1996) wrote from United States on Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Sue, You are truly the best. There will never be anyone like you. Your ability to remember hundreds of names and understand the souls and needs of all of your "children" was astounding. I will never forget when, years past my Kennedy School days, you remembered that the baby I brought to an event at the school was my second child. I miss you now and forever. With love, Kerry Hurwitz

Birgit Wolz (Class of 1993) wrote from Germany on Wednesday, October 04, 2006

I was wondering whether a fund in Sue's name was enough to honour what she did for the school and for an entire generation of mid-careers.
In a message to the Dean, my classmate Frank Dwyer wrote the following: " I most strongly encourage you to find a suitable place--a building, an auditorium, a library--some special place - and announce at the memorial service that it will be permantly named after Sue.... Sue deserves to live on at the school in a way beyond a fund in her name. We need to give back to her."
Through this note on her memorial site I am trying to solicit your reactions to this idea which I very much support. I will be writing to the Dean myself in order to make known that I think that Sue deserves more than what is currently planned. She was the focal point at the school for people from all parts of the globe. She was a true friend to so many of us and not just somebody who "administered" us. She touched our hearts in a place that isn't meant to be that way. She was different and she very much deserves more than a fund in her name.

Edita Tahiri (Class of 2002) wrote from Albania on Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Dear Sue, Your optimism was so energyzing. I still remember your laugh.... May you rest in peace. Edita

Taisuke Sakurai (Class of 2007) wrote from Japan on Thursday, August 31, 2006
It was the first day of orientation I met you first. You took picture of us individually. Though I was a little nervous as that was first day, you made me relaxing with some kind words. I really appreciate your kindness on that day. You kept KSG's atmosphere in this way. I cannot describe how large you helped us. Thank you again. Sue, I will always remember you. Taisuke

sameer jain (Class of 2004) wrote from United States on Sunday, August 06, 2006

Hi Sue
I hope this note finds you well ensconced in your new heavenly abode. Hang in there. Very soon many of us ( though perhaps not all of us -some may opt to or some may have no choice but to be brusquely led to Dante's home) from the class of '04 will be joining you. And then the show will go on. Sue i miss you, our animated conversations, dancing at the Charles Hotel,your intervention to get me into a course I wanted terribly. I so do.
See ya soon.
sameer

Alberto Cinta (Class of 99) wrote from Mexico on Friday, August 04, 2006

Dear Sue,
You changed my life in 1998. Your kindness, your support, and your advice are still in my heart. Now I understand, after reading about all the people that were touched by your smile, that you have always been an angel.
You will always be an angel reminding me how much a generous soul can do, how much a person can make a difference.
If so many have been inspired by your example and love, I am sure that you formed a huge force of good people all around the world. I will always remember you.

Taro Sugimura (Class of 20022003) wrote from Japan on Monday, July 17, 2006
I will never forget you and your advice on my career with full of love and integrity. You gave me lots of warmhearted messages especially after I got ill. I promise you again I will overcome it. Watch me from the sky.

Kevin Corke (Class of 2004) wrote from United States on Sunday, July 09, 2006
Love seems the only adequate expression of thanks at a time like this. So it is with fullness of heart and an unwavering fidelity that I express a fondness and love for a woman who did her part to improve life here on earth for all. We love you Sue and will miss you. Kevin

Paul Hodge (Class of 2000) wrote from United States on Sunday, July 09, 2006

Sue was a very special, wonderful person. During my student days at KSG, she was of great support and encouragement to me as she was to all my classmates.
Over the years, in talking with KSG graduates from the degree programs she headed, everyone I talked with has said that their KSG experience was the most "magical" and fulfilling of their lives. This was all mainly due to Sue. While I will miss her, in some way I find solace knowing that Sue lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to be touched by her love, joy, grace and vibrant spirit. Paul, MPA '00

Pablo Pinell (Class of 2003) wrote from Bolivia on Friday, July 07, 2006
Thanks to Sue, life at KSG was easier knowing we counted with her inconditional support at any time. I remember talking and laughing with her in the corridors. She was an incredible support to me when I had hard times. God bless you Sue.

MICHAEL G KARATH (Class of 2006) wrote from United States on Wednesday, July 05, 2006
What an incredible person Sue was to have touched so many lives in such a positive way. When I spoke with her from time to time in her office, I really felt like she believed in me. That meant a whole lot. I so desperately want to suceed and make her proud and show her that her faith was well placed.

Harry Sinsheimer wrote from United States on Thursday, June 22, 2006
I really enjoyed the conversations with Sue & Joe during their vists to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. I know they both enjoyed the hospitality provided by the Air Borne Laser Organization.

Prakash Puram (Class of 93mc/mpa) wrote from United States on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

I am glad I had a very emotional chat with Sue Williamson on April 15, just as she returned from a week-long hospitalization. Her husband Joe didn't think she was feeling good to take my call, but she surprised both of us by taking my call. She rattled off many names from the 92-93 batches and was in tears talking with me about the Minnesota alumni group. She also asked me to give her love to all of my fellow alumni from KSG. She apologized several times for being unable to meet with me at her home returned from a week-long hospitalization. As macho as I thought I was, I too broke down to commiserate with her ordeal. She was a wonderful human being and a dear friend. God bless her soul and her family as they recover from her loss. We truly adore her Joe!
Prakash Puram
Minneapolis 612-840-6979

Meshal Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sa (Class of 2007) wrote from Kuwait on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

To all who knew Sue Williamson, she was a guiding light of wisdom, exceptional insight and undaunting abilities to communicate her wisdom and insight. Sue and I met when I was at MIT and later at KSG during the summer program.
Over that time, we maintained contact. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this impeccable woman. I can only imagine the great outpouring from Harvard University and Boston - yet as I write from many miles away, I know that her essence, nature and compassion have radiated far and wide.

To say that she will be sincerely missed by me, as a good friend and mentor, is a massive understatement. My thoughts are with all who mourn her loss and celebrate her life.

Helen Roberts (Class of 2005) wrote from None Given on Monday, June 19, 2006
Hard to believe in a KSG without Sue whose energy and warmth affected us all. I can hear her saying as I looked round her door one day 'you look grrreat!' and suddenly I did. A true Colossus - just the memory of her is empowering once we accept - so reluctantly - our loss. Thank you Sue Helen

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