Dona Basler Sutherin, 1951
B.A., Case Western Reserve University
M.A., Case Western Reserve University
Citation awarded June, 1986
Dona Sutherin’s life has always been filled with service to others. Following three years at Denison, she received her bachelor’s and subsequently her master’s from Case Western Reserve University.
For 14 years she taught sixth grade lessons to disabled children in Cleveland. She has also served her community as a Girl Scout leader, and worked with the AFS and the Rotary International Student Exchange. She has volunteered in the Child Life program at University Hospital, and been a tutor and trainer in the Project Learn literacy program, and a board member of the Institute for Creative Living. She has served her church as a Sunday school teacher, youth chairman, and stewardship chairman.
Dona’s service on behalf of Denison has been outstanding. She was one of only two women to serve as president of the Society of the Alumni during the first 129 years of the Society’s existence. She worked very effectively to establish a link between the alumni and the college. In 1975, she joined the Board of Trustees where she served ably until January, 1985. She has also been president of the Denison Cleveland Women’s Club, and worked as an Annual Fund solicitor and Sesquicentennial Campaign volunteer.
