Susan Herman 1942-2009

A post from Susan's Journal

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 5:42 AM, EDT

"Susan passed away peacefully at 5:06am on June 24th. We find comfort in knowing her pain is replaced with our mourning."

My family just returned from a wonderfully inspirational memorial service in Keene, NH where we surrounded by Susan's husband Gary (pictured above with the beard), her large family and friends including my fellow "Interlocken" Crossroads guides (pictured above). Because of Susan our paths are now forever joined. Thank you Susan and Gary.

In a beautiful service that Susan herself planned, we listened to Mozart, sang and cried together. Eulogies by her children and mentors spoke lovingly of a woman of strong convictions, a loving heart, profound spirituality and a constant yearning to learn and share with others.

From the Boston Globe:

Susan Jane (Goldsmith) Herman of Fairbanks, Alaska passed away June 24, 2009 after an illness of pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Gary Kofinas, her three children Melissa, Thomas, and Sarah, her five spectacular grandchildren Tia, Felix, Simon, Miriam, and Joshua, and her three sisters Ellen Switkes, Marjie Crosby, and Barbara Virchick. Susan inspired many through her service as a parent, teacher, leader, volunteer, and scholar. She was Professor of Management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Professor Emerita at Keene State College in Keene, NH, and cofounder of Interlocken Center for Experiential Learning (now Windsor Mountain International).


The Susan J. Herman Leadership Award
in Holocaust and Genocide Awareness

Keene State College's Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies is pleased to announce the establishment of the Susan J. Herman Award for Leadership in Holocaust & Genocide Awareness.

This award honors the work and inspiration of Dr. Susan J. Herman, Professor of Management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Professor Emerita of Management at Keene State College. Dr. Herman has served the College, the Cohen Center and the states of New Hampshire and Alaska through a lifetime of advocacy, education, curriculum development and leadership training. Dr. Herman's considerable talents helped to motivate College leaders, faculty and community supporters to join in
promoting Holocaust and genocide studies, leading many to a greater awareness of how genocide, mass murder and other crimes of atrocity affect us all today.

The Susan J. Herman Award, which will be permanently endowed, will be used to recognize individuals who have, through personal leadership and actions, stimulated greater understanding of genocide, increased activism on behalf of the victims of crimes against humanity or inspired community engagement in educating people about genocide both historically and in our contemporary world. The Herman Award will be presented in two categories each year. One recognition award will honor a student at Keene State College, accompanied by a monetary award to assist the student with his or her studies. The second will be awarded to an individual or group who has/have made a difference in Holocaust and genocide awareness through acts of leadership and personal commitment. Preference for the second award will be given to qualified nominees from New Hampshire, but inspirational candidates from around the world will be considered. Anyone who would like to honor Dr. Herman or to support this unique leadership award is invited to make a gift to the endowment. This will help to ensure that both students and community members continue to be recognized for their leadership in making our world a better place for all.

For more information contact the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies at 603-358-2490 or www.keene.edu/cchs

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Form:

I wish to donate to the Susan J. Herman Leadership Award in Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Fund

Name ____________________________________________

Amount ____________

Address __________________________________________

Phone _______________

Please make your check out to Keene State College and note that it is for the Susan J. Herman Leadership
Award Fund. You may send your check to Keene State College in care of

S.J. Herman Award Fund
Advancement Office or
Keene State College
229 Main St.
Keene, NH 03435
Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies
Keene State College
229 Main St.
Keene, NH 03435