Griffiths Vice Chair Honored at Tribute to Women
Each year the university recognizes outstanding women with the MU Tribute to Women Award. Suzanne Flanegin, AB ‘78, JD ‘81, was one of three honorees recognized on March 22 at annual ceremony held in Memorial Union. The award recognizes MU women students, staff and faculty who create an environment of equity, fairness, and justice for women on campus; demonstrate respect for the diversity of women’s experiences; and promote the advancement of women. The event, hosted by the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women, takes place during women’s history month.
Suzanne works on campus as a senior director of development in the Office of Gift Planning and Endowments. After working as a litigator, Suzanne brought her legal expertise back home to Mizzou where she assists donors throughout Missouri and the southeast with endowed funds and planned gifts. According to one of her nominators, Suzanne credits the university with presenting her with so many opportuntities and is proud to give back to Mizzou. “I have heard Suzanne share that her MU education continues to provide her with so many opportunities,” said Carin Huffman Grinch, one of Suzanne’s nominators. “Suzanne is a dedicated member of Griffiths and her service to the organization is one of the many ways in which Suzanne gives back to the university.”
In addition to her daily duties, Suzanne has also been working with a committee of colleagues on a new initiative – women in philanthropy. The goal of the group is to serve as a sounding board for the University’s plans to engage women donors, suggest ways that MU can better involve women in philanthropic endeavors, and gain a better understanding of various aspects of philanthropy as it pertains to MU and other charitable organizations. After more than a year of planning, the group will have its inaugural meeting this spring in conjunction with the Griffiths Leadership Society conference on April 13-14.
Congratulations, Suzanne, on this outstanding award!