Back to School- Susan's Style- Vacation Summer 2022

 Back to school took on a whole new meaning as I experienced my first in-person graduate school class. Many know I'm pursuing my Master's of Philanthropic Studies, online, one class at a time, from IUPUI's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  This week I had my first in person class! It has and is a/an unique, special, rare, interesting...I'm not sure of the right word to describe... journey.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn in this way at this time about these subjects and pursue a degree. I'm proud of myself for the work, results, learning, and commitment. And to celebrate the completion of the class and keep some vacation fun in the vacation time, we stayed in Indy for the weekend. I'll take the opportunity to share some takeaways and happenings on the blog for prosperity and I like to share.

Ten points of reflection:

1. Generations continue to make me smile.  Online and in-person younger students say the darndest things.  I think this is my way of acknowledging I'm getting old.

2. Air BnB is a great way to go for this kind of travel- I had a garage, two rooms and I saved some money. Being in a "home" just felt right for this class.

3. Preparation pays off....the 13 cases our professor assigned were interesting, the call to be prepared for oral engagement scared me, but thanks to office hours, conversation with classmates, time at my desk and talking the cases through with Joe on an earlier road trip- I was ready. It feels good to be ready. And it prepared me to be in a place to absorb the knowledge and learning.  Our professor is quite good and I'm again grateful for the experience. How many times will I express appreciation in this post!

4. Indy is amazing. I've always felt that way about the city and have enjoyed the few visits for pleasure and work. I took the kids there years ago and it was one of my favorite get-aways. This trip had me exploring more neighborhoods connected to downtown and I was impressed. Shapiro's Deli was a repeat - lunch with classmates and our professor and breakfast on Sunday. If you have not been you should go!

5. It is a cliche but it is true- make new friends and keep the old, one is silver the other gold. I met new friends by walking this walk, compairing notes, sharing stories and asking and answering questions...and then I spent an evening catching up with a dear Denison classmate!! A remarkable run-into a Granvillian was also a highlight of the trip.

 It is important to get out of our circles and comfort zones. This is what I did on my summer vacation and I'm so glad I did. I need to spend some serious time on LinkedIn connecting with these folks and truly want to stay in touch.  I've met some of them in the online class, but nothing like in person to elevate the experience and relationship. Thank you LFSOP for bringing us together.  I also met the faculty and staff of LFSOP- bonus!!  I'm feeling much more connected to the program and school. IUPUI is a campus that intimated me, after a week there it is now "my school".

6. Back to those young students...I have been and can be one that reacts to different behaviors, but I admire and respect so much of what was shared in our classroom and am grateful. This is what we all need to be doing, understanding and listening to one another. Asking questions, clarifying, and having the ah-ha moments about diversity and what diversity truly means, and how good it is for our world and communities..and classrooms!

7. I have a whole new appreciation for the law, for lawyers- counselors- and we really do need their counsel. I hope I can think a bit more like an attorney as I approach situations and look at the guideposts, the various sides/perspectives, and history. A big takeaway is the understanding of our common law approach and how it evolves and morphs.  The nonprofit sector has been and will continue to be shaped in regard to trusts, intentions, the definition of the laws, and how they are interpreted and presented. My work will be different and influenced by this class and my time in Indy.

8. Billy Strings continues to impress and delight. Date night with Joe at these concerts is really magical. This trip included friends from Chicago who drove down to join us making it a treat. We hatched a plan when we connected on a work trip and what fun to reconnect! Good people to share the good life provides!

Can you see us- we were in the pit, again, love these shows!

9.Time on the golf course continues to be a good place. https://www.thefortgolfcourse.com/  What a beautiful part of Indiana and what a great golf course! This gift and recommendation from Ann Leithauser did not disappoint.  Exploring new places is always a good idea, taking the back roads and doing so with Joe and our golf bags is another treat and favorite thing. This is the former Ft. Benjamin Harris location repurposed in impressive ways.

10. Family Time matters- it was so good to see Joe's parents- Jim and Nadine in their new home in Bryan, OH. It wasn't "on the way" but it worked to go and I'm so glad we did!

Granville Survey- not just for Granville Residents! Please Complete

 

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HELP SHAPE GRANVILLE'S FUTURE!

Early this Spring, leaders from the Granville Community began work on a revision of the Village of Granville and Granville Township Joint Comprehensive Plan. Last updated in 2012, this Comprehensive Plan sets forth a vision and goals for the future of our community and provides the overall foundation for land use and associated zoning.

If you live, work, visit, worship, learn, or recreate inside the Granville Community, we want to hear from you! Your input is critical to informing the revision process. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BMTCFTD

Straight from the Facebook Page of the Granville Village! Please follow this link and complete the survey. Care about Granville's future- share insights, ask your friends and family to do the same!

I serve on the Granville Chamber of Commerce Board, I chair the Economic Development Committee and this plan is linked to our work, our call, our purpose- we need your input!

Please know I welcome your input directly to me as well, let's have coffee and talk! Life on Newark-Granville Road will evolve and change for many reasons, your input is needed. THANK YOU!

Love my Birthday and Survey Plug!

Please take this Granville Comprehensive plan survey:  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BMTCFTD  Thank you!

Birthday update:

I love my birthday and I'm so blessed to have many traditions and options to celebrate.

This year I opted to spend it in Maryland. I'm helping my mom prep to sell her house and move to Woodbine, MD with Michael Bolinger.  Yes, this is an exciting and big deal, but not really. It is also exactly what feels natural and wonderful.  No, this is not my childhood home, however, it is the grandchildren's home. The Hickory Hill house is where I brought all my babies, where my mother cared for me as I recovered from childbirth and she bonded with her grandchildren. She had a nursery and all six grandchildren made that space theirs together.  Our full family- everyone with a spouse- made this home base many holidays and summers. It is a special place.  But this blog isn't about this transition and milestone, this blog is about my birthday.  This is the time of the summer that works to visit to help and spend time together.

Today was a lovely day, my birthday cake- fresh-baked coffee cake, that melted the candles.  A latte from Dunkin Donuts delivered to my bed by Joe and bonus, creamed chip beef I've craved for weeks. Then we golfed. Golfing on the FHCC course is a treat, going out with Joe, Peter, and my Mom ice cream with a cherry on top.  I didn't get my best score, but I had strong drives, decent 2nd shots, and laughs.  My Mom kept saying- it is a hard course, and it is.  Donald Ross' greens keep you on your toes and my handicap exactly where it is.

The night ended with cocktails on my Mom's porch and dinner at the stadium. Oysters on the half shell, steamed clams, MD crab soup, and a taste of the boy's burgers and fries- delish! So much more to say but will end with THANK YOU for the reach-outs, texts, and social media greetings. Birthdays are special and meant to be celebrated. I missed making the lake swim, jello cake, MCC time (thanks friends for celebrating early), and other life on Newark-Granville Road gatherings.  Granville's 4th is special but Maryland competes- the fireworks at FHCC were stellar, the night out to hear Billy Strings in MD, wow, and family time with my sister and Greg, was precious.

Cheers to my new year, cheers to all that made it special, life on and off Newark-Granville road is good this 4th of July 2022.

Facebook Cover Photo for the Record

If you follow me on Facebook, you know I like to update my cover pictures. If Denison is featured that is my nonverbal way of saying: in my life on Newark-Granville Road, woo hoo it is all things Denison right now.  Usual occasions are June Orientation, Commencement, Big Red Weekend, Reunions and the combined, Venn diagram combos like prom pictures, college tours, game days, or visitors to town inspire the photo post.

I thought it might be good to share a snippet of my week and provide the why these pics, and why the happenings in these two pics. Both cover photos I enjoyed posting!

I type this blog from my Mom's screened-in porch! I ended up making an impromptu trip to Maryland to deliver Clare to her internship in DC. Her flight was canceled and it just seemed easier to drive her! (Internship is with DC Again, more on that later- yay Wooster. She is Poli Sci major.) Actually, our journey led to Annapolis and gave me the occasion to spend the night with my sister and family! A true treat as our summer schedules are not in sync this year. I am working from Mom's in Hagerstown and will be home later tonight. We return for vacation time at the end of the week.  No worries, I love the drive time, talk time, read time (Clare drove yesterday), podcast time, and the scenery!

Strawberries for the celebrations. I don't know much about "love languages" but a quick google search leads to insights about food and cooking is included. I guess these actions would fit in service or gifts or both. Anyway, I do like to cook to show my love and I enjoy eating. I appreciate it when people like what I make and even request it. Dear friend Morgan celebrated her golden birthday- the 25th on the 25th. She requested the berries I love to offer at Derby. I love that she asked. I ended up adding a touch of a theme by adding golden sugar berries. While I was added I found the sprinkles and it was Granville Pride, so you'll see pride berries there too. It was fun to share these at family dinner on Saturday in my life on Newark-Granville Road! Another impromptu happening- having Scott and Ann with us at the Pride Parade/walk and dinner!

Life on Newark-Granville Road has been full this spring and now it is summer- ahh! Welcoming summer at the Soltice is always a special day. Summer leads to the wrap-up of the fiscal year and kick-off of the 4th of July and beloved summer happenings. More to share and more opportunities to capture this beloved season in photographs. Stay tuned. Thanks for reading.

June is Flying By

Where has the month gone? I know it has gone to the Hill! Highlights of Denison time for Susan:

2020- welcome home has never been more fun to say! We really didn't understand the impact or importance of this reunion and commencement until we were loving every minute. COVID's impact was quite something, but this class persevered and it was wonderful to connect in person with important families and young alumni.  Our young alums were able to do "bucket list" items and I joined the fun- playing the Carillon, I played Edelweiss!

2022- Commencement was not that long ago but it did launch the month press of events and gatherings. Another special class that will hold a special place in my heart. Philanthropy lessons all around, beautiful giving that inspires my work. Students are now alumni that will make a difference in the world. Part of my role is sharing this day with senior families that have become dear friends.

NCAAs at Denison- first Women's Lacrosse and then a week later Baseball! Joe did play-by-plays and Peter stats, volunteering to assist.  I took in the games sharing the thrill of victory and agony of defeat with the families. I did take a turn as a ball retriever for lax. After a wet and cool spring watching Sally and Clare's teams, it was nice to be in the sun! #Denison proud of the players, and coaches but the team that executed such tournaments and played host. Denison does it well.  There are senior families on this DU baseball team that will dearly missed- come home to celebrate philanthropy in action, please!

Reunion with Reunion make-ups due to COVID made for a special 1st weekend in June. Congratulations to our citation winners: link and thank you to our most amazing 50th reunion classes and all of their giving. The announcements in Swasey at the convocation are quite a treat. Inspiration galore from these seasoned and impressive folks, not to mention the dear young alums back and our era folks.  Bonus time was learning time: wine tasting with Allie and Ketcham Wines and a quick 9 to wrap up her time in Gville!

Time off the hill happened as well! We were able to take in Memorial Day as a holiday weekend and were grateful for lake time with the Leithuasers, Happy place MCC opened with friend time, Granville Grad celebrations, and golf for Susan and Joe.  I'm taking time for myself on Wednesdays and enjoying golfing with the Ladies League! 

In the midst of the fulfilling work, we've loved having the amazing three children home and under one roof for a bit. Cars galore, laundry and dishwasher constant running, highlights are family dinners here and there, and finally a trip to Whit's.  Sally is the first to leave, appropriate as she has had plenty of quality life on Newark-Granville Road time, she is settling in as a JC at Camp Alleghany. She did find time to volunteer for VBS- regular readers know how much I love this Granville gem. Next Clare will head to DC for the in-person part of her internship. She is working remotely and it is great to have her here. She is playing lax in Columbus on Wednesdays to keep the skills up and have fun. Her baby pool work time does give me pause. I will not post photo. Peter staying here working at Home Depot and umpiring for GRC Little League. Highlights are sitting at the round table in the kitchen hearing his perceptions of the games. Photos texted to me by parents, highlights to my days. Proud of all three and all they're becoming. Time is precious, a lesson we've learned too many times on Newark-Granville road.

Student Susan Post- Yes, People Are Generous

 I thought I might share my final paper/ reflection from a class I loved. Yes loved. It was a class I was meant to take.  I really have enjoyed and found tremendous benefit from all of the classes in this Masters of Philanthropic Studies program at IUPUI (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis) Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP). Yes even the Economics class, everything ties back to Econ, Market Failure hello! I'm sure I'll end up feeling the same way about the Law class! Anyway, the Global Exchange class was a true treat (direct, synchronized time with students in Germany), and the Comparative Study of Civil Society again something the universe or God wanted me to take. I'm grateful for the support from Joe, the professors I engage with, and my fellow students.  Yes, me a lifelong learner living and sharing my school life on Newark-Granville Road.  Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Susan Leithauser                                                                                                                                      SP22 Civil Society in Comp Persp: 307075 Pamala Wiepking                                                    

Exit Essay, May 2, 2022

I have been using concepts from this class in my work life. Our department is engaged in a nine-month training facilitated by a coach. In the individual orientation session, I was quick to discuss using the word generosity instead of philanthropy. During our opening session, I asked for care when using the term empathy as a quick fix for what the world of today needs. As a result, the facilitator followed up for more information and reading recommendations! I used parts of my response to begin this assignment. To demonstrate my increased understanding of ‘global philanthropy’ and 'comparative civil society' the three-course topics or assignments I call upon are: the interview assignment; virtually all topics in module three with a focus on evolutional origins and empathy; and the presentations on philanthropy in different countries.

Early in our class I admit, the concept of “generosity” instead of philanthropy gave me pause. I mean, we are enrolled in the school of philanthropy. However, the personal experience of a classmate from Germany in the Global Exchange program saying to me “philanthropy is a buzzword” came quickly to mind. I made a general reference to this experience in my opening essay about global philanthropy. Thanks to this class’s deep and broad exploration of this subject I understand global philanthropy needs to be explored inside individual cultures and countries and there are so many! Do we all really appreciate how big the world is? There is much to study and much more to study through the lens of non-Western perspectives. Also, the concept of “generosity” feels genius as I reflect and articulate lessons from our time together this semester. Key to this thought process was our introductory text from WINGS (2018.) p, 6-9.

Rudimentary is the question, are people generous by nature? Thanks to this class I do believe the answer is yes! There is much to understand about why the answer is yes and much to understand about why people do not always behave in generous ways. The interdisciplinary study of this class and the LFSOP program address the answers. Prosocial behavior, evolutionary origins, and important scientific studies were all presented in module three of our class. De Waal, Allen, and Aktipis are all to credit for my “yes” answer! Please note the resources at the end of my essay for my inspiration. The biggest impact on the subject is from Bregman in his book Humankind, A Hopeful History. The chapter, The Real Lord of the Flies, prompts me to believe the Bregman book should be the required reading, not Lord of the Flies. The premise of the book is well stated in this chapter: people are good by nature and will care for one another in stressful times.

In reflection on how the course changed my thinking about ‘global philanthropy’ and 'comparative civil society,' there is no way to capture it all in this assignment’s word count. Critical lessons were from the presentations by my classmates, where we were all grateful for The Palgrave Manual and the 2022 Global Philanthropy Index country reports. Taking time to visit this page: https://globalindices.iupui.edu/environment-index/downloads/index.html highlights the value and resources the LFSOF provides. An important activity was also the research we conducted for the assignment. The interview I held with the young woman from India reveals the cultural and religious influence of the simple word “karma.” Critical to our studies and global philanthropy is what Professor Wiepking has outlined from the beginning, translation matters! The summary from the class interview papers quickly demonstrates this. I discovered this from the young man from Japan I interviewed (Interviewee J) in his use of the word Yasashi, stating this is “a type of kind, a very gentle warm, soft kind” (Interviewee J). In Prof. Wiepking’s summary for Module seven I was taken with the classmate’s work “it translates back into Shona as ‘rudo,’ which means love in English, not charity.”  Translation and language could be their own class for our LFSOF studies.

I hope it is permissible to say, I did not have expectations that were not met in this class. What I did learn was more than I ever imagined and more than was outlined in the required reading. The extra materials provided in each module were extremely helpful as were my classmate’s contributions in the informal discussions and formal presentations and assignments. This is a comprehensive class and the lecture by my classmates opened additional pathways. Lectures offered by the Lilly School including one by Joseph Henrich giving a peek into the book The WIERDest People in the World had a significant impact on my experience in the class. I have noticed that virtually every piece of research we read in our program outlines the need for more research. The Henrich lecture shares an important “why.” This book puts important work into the world. The lecture inspired questions and dialogue I should have entered this class with. So, the good news is I leave the class with a desire to know more, and expectations will evolve as I further navigate the degree path. Discussion during our class presentation responses highlighted I am not alone! As I reviewed my classmates’ work about many countries, I recognize the role of geography in philanthropy in an island country vs a small country with changing political borders and want to know more. Ireland vs Switzerland, all the different islands in the Caribbean, questions multiply, and my brain begins to itch! I also wonder about nomads and refugees; the US provides much to study, but we need to look to the cultural and global origins to understand philanthropy and generosity. 

I will also take the time to state the value of the full exploration of concepts. Our work regarding empathy has been fascinating, eye-opening, and aligns with our work with “philanthropy.” There are numerous definitions, many sub definitions, influence, and evolution/biological science for important study and application to our pursuits to make the world a better place. Konrath's article layouts much to appreciate including Bloom’s book with the enticing title Against Empathy. We must be careful to not just care for people like ourselves.

To close, looking back at the opening essay and my analogy of a puzzle for our philanthropic studies. I realized in this class, that there are many puzzles, however, there may be universal pieces that can be used in different puzzles/pictures we are trying to complete. When I think about the concept of universal pieces like empathy, evolutionary origin, and the analysis of research I realize we must be careful as one size does not fit all. And some pieces may be outdated and need updating. One understanding, one definition is not the answer. This also calls to mind the pieces of art made by individual photographs assembled to create one concept- a photographic mosaic. Pictures within pictures, puzzles within puzzles, all uniting. Our philanthropic studies, the deeper understanding of generosity, empathy (good and bad), culture, government structure and so much more certainly paint a picture of how people (and even animals) care for one another and make the world a better place.

Resources/ Influences:

Aktipis, A, Do You Believe In Generosity | Athena Aktipis | TEDxASU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlOO0rD7QvI

Aktipis, A., Cronk, L., Alcock, J., Ayers, J. D., Baciu, C., Balliet, D., ... & Sullivan, D. (2018) Nature Human Behaviour, 2(7), 429. 

Allen, S "The Science of Generosity” (2018) Greater Good Magazine,

Bregman, R (2019) Humankind, A Hopeful History, Back Bay Books, NY, NY

Henrich, J. (2021). The weirdest people in the world: How the west became psychologically peculiar and particularly prosperous. Picador. NY, NY

Konrath, S. (2017). What's the matter with empathy? Greater Good Magazine, January 24, 2017.

Preston, S. D., & De Waal, F. B. (2002). Empathy: Its ultimate and proximate bases

The 2022 Global Philanthropy Index: direct link to the 2022 country reports.

https://wings.issuelab.org/resources/29534/29534.pdf

Module 7 Summary: Quotes about meaning and definition generosity philanthropy and charity across cultures.pdf 

Leithausers Run for the Roses 2022 Party Recap

It has never happened in the history of our party...a history announced as 36 years but the reality is it is 31 years, produced with Susan, and 23, produced by Joe and Susan.  What has never happened you ask? The answer is, no one picked the winning horse! Rich Strike was on our board, sandwiched between two scratched horses, yet no one picked him. I just watched the race, oh my goodness, wow! What a move, what a race and the odds- wow! So what to do with the "winnings" with no winner? We made the decision to donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Licking County. A special place supported by many at the party and a little gift they are not expecting- kind of like Rich Strike as the winner.

We are so grateful to everyone that attended the party, we always say, it is only fun if fun people attend. And it was fun, it was another day of dear friends connecting, sharing and enjoying traditions we love to offer. Even with cool temps, we were grateful for no rain in the afternoon and evening and party goers that know how to dress. Bonus points to those in equestrian boots and when friends bring friends!

We are so grateful to everyone that helps make the party work:

• first and foremost the bestest bartenders ever!!Emily and Eric- you really are something special! It is fun to debrief on what people drink, how much bourbon we go through, people's reactions...the mint juleps alone are worth the visit, And this year was a bourbon year, some years it is beer, some years it is wine...Your care from start to finish is exceptional.
• next all the people that bring the food- oh my the food! The deviled eggs, the salmon, the country ham, the KY goodnesses, the shrimp, the cookies, the spreads, I could go on and on and am so grateful. Thanks to bakeries that do what they do well- cookies and rolls matter. And those berries...Ann- wow- beautiful.
• shout out to Peter manning the betting this year- well done
• our DJ- Andy Durham- wow wow wow- perfect vibes- so grateful. Need a DJ contact Andy!!!
• Amanda and Brian, next door neighbors that allow us to embrace that amazing park like setting and so much more- such supporters in this event, thank you.
• every year a bottle of bourbon is delivered the week of, you know who you are, thank you. You were missed this year, but you didn't miss the delivery- thank you!
• Sally you swept, and assisted and checked in where needed. Next year it is all about you as you graduate from Granville High!!
• I'm sure I'm forgetting folks...thank you to those that stop by, offer to do errands, deliver flowers and again thanks for the messages if you could not attend, that matters too...this party is about connecting.

So take a look at some of the pics, they tell the story. The rest of the story, what this blog loves to do, includes a younger member of the party wanting to be the last to leave. She had attended almost her whole life..but not covid year...and it made my night to see she and her siblings so happy and engaged. So many of Joe's work team arriving by van and sharing this special day with us. Sally finding hats for her friends and how well they wear them. Granvillians reconnecting after years of not seeing one another, the opportunity to tie a beautiful bow tie for a dear family friend. Those that bring their own julep cups make an impression and I love when I capture the moment. Thomas, thanks for loving the party as you do. Lucy may have been the star- greeting and behaving pretty well on this first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road.