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For Susan Schanz Rausch ‘66, social justice is her driving force. Fueled by a strong sense of social responsibility cultivated by her ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s education, Susan, with her husband, Gregory Rausch, MD, continues to work for social justice, specifically focusing on three areas: housing, health and education.

“I went to college during a time of civil unrest, and the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï fostered a sense of social justice that went beyond the boundaries of our university,” says Susan, who majored in Latin and history. “Recognizing the needs of many different populations in the community, students were offered several leadership programs to get involved. We went beyond talking about problems and took action.”

Along with her involvement in numerous programs providing housing and healthcare for the underserved in her community in Frederick, Maryland, she continues to support the success and education of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s students, hoping to inspire the next generations to advance social justice.

Susan, a mother of four daughters, is a member of the Heritage Society, a group of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï alumnae, friends, faculty and staff who have named ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s in their will or legacy plans.

“Education will always be important and ongoing, and we wanted to contribute to education at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s in a way that was longer lasting,” says the former Latin and history teacher.

In addition to her pledge to the Heritage Society, Susan and her husband established the Sister Catherine Anita History and Social Justice Endowed Scholarship in 2019. Named after Susan’s social justice mentor and ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï librarian Sister Catherine Anita Fitzgerald, CSJ, the scholarship benefits students of Judge Memorial in Salt Lake City, Susan’s high school alma mater.

Guiding her is a maxim she acquired during her time at the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï: Participate where you can, based on the needs of the community.

“We each have a responsibility to our communities, and there is a need for education, always and everywhere,” she says. “We are happy to have the ability to make these gifts and help more people acquire an invaluable education at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s.”