Interview: Susan Kline Hart ’63

Sue, tell us about your Dickinson experience. What are some of your favorite memories?

There isn’t one event or thing that stands out—I enjoyed all of it. I enjoyed my professors and my studies. I did well scholastically. I was an English major and minored in French and German. I was Phi Beta Kappa.

Despite a rough start, Professor Sloane became a mentor to me. He asked us to write an essay freshman year. I always got high marks in high school, so when I got his “D” it was a shocker. I cried. His comments included, “You write too much and say too little.” He taught me to be succinct and it was a good life lesson. I later resubmitted the paper and got the “A” I was looking for. That experience was the whole point of college. It jolted me out of my rut.

Professor Herbert Royce in the German department also stands out for me. I told him his class was hard. He said, “It’s the hardest things you should do and conquer!” I still think of his words to this day.

I enjoyed spending time with my friends. I joined a sorority because everyone else was doing it. I joined Phi Mu along with other similarly minded young women who were known to be nerds and jocks. We are all still close to this day.

For many years 1963 classmates and spouses have met for lunch annually as we are able in Wilmington, Delaware. Over the years the sorority/fraternity boundaries have faded while the basic connections to Dickinson remain strong. It always amazes me to see what interesting lives these people have led. They are doing great things and I wouldn't necessarily have predicted that back when we were students.

Can you speak to how Dickinson’s liberal-arts education helped you in your life?

A Dickinson education gave me the confidence I needed in my work life and now when I meet new people. The broad background of my studies and school experience helps me every day. One of my sons specialized in physics and is very smart. He is very focused in his work and interests. I on the other hand, feel confident enough to learn about many different things. I’m intellectually curious and the liberal arts approach helped me in my career and in my volunteer work. Invariably I find myself in positions of authority, and I credit my degree from Dickinson with that.

I am currently serving my church as Senior Warden, busy paying bills and finding supply clergy for each Sunday since we have no rector at the present time. Keeping my faith, and exploring new ones was a part of my Dickinson experience, too. I attended many churches in Carlisle over those four years—out of curiosity. My parents were church-going people. Visiting new churches was a good experience for me. For example, it was my first time in a Baptist church. I took a classmate along with me. We were warmly welcomed and asked to stand and introduce ourselves. I’ll never forget that experience.

What inspired your planned gift to Dickinson? What do you hope to do for fellow Dickinsonians?

It’s in the genes, I guess. My parents were strict but kind. My mother always said, “It’s the little people who make the world go ‘round.” Both of my parents personified generosity and fairness to everyone they met.

Unlike many college students, I didn’t need to worry about scholarships or paying for my education at Dickinson. More than 20 members of my family have attended Dickinson. They have gone on to contribute all around the world in many ways, so giving back was a part of my family experience.

Without scholarships, Dickinson wouldn’t attract as many bright and exceptional students. Our scholarship program brings many voices and perspectives to campus. The college benefits from their experience, and later, we all benefit when they make their impact on the world.

Why is it important to give back to the college?

The Episcopalian church is a good example of this. Organizations need funding if they are to survive in today’s world. It’s a complex world and we need to prepare these students to make their way in it. We need to provide the best experience on campus for these young people, so they are equipped to manage the challenges of their communities. I worry that the tuition and fees are too high for many families, so scholarship funding is one way I can help with that.

What is one piece of advice you would give to today’s students?

I thought a lot about this question. Study hard. Work hard. This is the only time in your life you will have this much time to learn and be curious. After school, the world has a way of taking over. Once you get out there, you must make good use of your time.