Meet NPA President Susu Stall ’83

The Newman Parents Association, or NPA, is a group of Newman parents dedicated to supporting the School through volunteer activities and fundraising. NPA volunteers plan, organize, and run school events, plan spring parties and auctions, staff the concessions stand at games, volunteer for desk duty, staff the Spirit Store, and much more. Through its work, the NPA has raised and donated more than $2 million to Newman, making it the School’s largest single donor. Each year, the NPA elects a President to lead the organization and spearhead its efforts. We sat down with NPA President Susu Stall ’83 to talk about the organization, its goals, and her role as its leader.

 

The NPA President is responsible for designating the chairs for the school fundraisers, including Carnival Under the Stars, the NPA Book Fair, Bingo and Basketball, Garage-a-Rama , the Spring Party/N'spiration , Screen on the Green, and Recycled Uniform Sales. The President is also responsible for finding the chairs for community events like Special Friends Day, Faculty and Facilities Appreciation Lunches, and the Senior Faculty Lunch. There are also community service and outreach programs such as Helping Hands and the Greenie Connection. Lastly, the President lines up all of the room parents and arts liaisons.

 

The goals of the NPA are twofold. Of course we want to raise a significant amount of money for the School. Over the past few years the NPA has provided funds for library books, a school bus, shades for the Krohn Foyer,  the Newman Scholarship Fund, the 5th Grade iPad program, equipment for the Upper School Math Lab, professional development for teachers, and funding for the arts and athletics. But we also support events that do not necessarily make a profit, but are good for the community spirit. Our members are dedicated to improving the School, whether through concrete improvements paid for through fundraising or the intangible yet no less significant community-building efforts.

 

I wish every parent knew they could volunteer for the NPA no matter how much or little time they have available. I would like the parents to be aware that our work makes a significant impact on every aspect of the School. Whether it provides a new school bus, or professional development, or helps community members get to know each other and work more closely together, we all benefit from the NPA.

 

This year’s executive committee is composed of myself as President, President-Elect Kate Werner ’86, Secretary Mary Schmidt, Treasurer Courtney Rivé, and Assistant Treasurer Becky McGoey.

 

The NPA President works most closely with Lauren Fiasconaro, Newman’s Manager of Annual Giving and Constituent relations. She works with parents and acts as a liaison between the NPA and the School’s administration. We also work with Director of Advancement Sabrina Pilant and Head of School Dale Smith, who gives the NPA a yearly wish list.

 

I am happy to say that as far as I'm concerned, all of our goals have been accomplished. Each event chairman put on fantastic events that were enjoyed by all, and some raised significant funds for the School. I also believe that many of our volunteers have made new friends or strengthened friendships by serving on a committee together.

 

The most rewarding thing for me as President has been meeting so many Newman parents that I may not have met otherwise. There are so many talented people in our community, and I have been so impressed by our parents’ abilities, spirit, and commitment to Newman. My tenure will end on a high note of enthusiasm, not exhaustion.

 

I can't really say there was any real challenge – our committees and volunteers took care of any challenges we faced. The most difficult part was getting all of the chairs and other leadership positions in place. Once I had all my ducks in a row, my chairs took ownership in their positions and did a great job. I was there simply to make sure everyone's needs were met.

 

The executive committee for 2014-15 will be President Kate Werner ’86, President-Elect Courtney Singer ’88, Secretary DeWana Hill, Treasurer Becky McGoey, and Assistant Treasurer Stephanie Bruno.

 

My advice to Kate would be to enjoy the process, make new friends, and let her committees do their thing. I am sure she will have a great year!