What is your name, and where did you grow up?
My name is Suzy Dantuma, and I grew up in a small town in North Central Wisconsin called White Lake.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?
I have just moved into the Transfer Coordinator position.
What was your journey to the role of Transfer Coordinator?
Well, I was just notified by LinkedIn that this is my 13th anniversary at Blackhawk, so it has been a longer one! I completed my Bachelor of Science in Education at UW-Whitewater and then my Master of Science at Concordia University Wisconsin. My journey here at Blackhawk includes times in high school articulation, Youth Apprenticeship, Academic Advising and now I am the Transfer Coordinator.
Is there something that drew you to this career?
I think this may ultimately come down to helping people grow and develop, problem-solve and trust their own choices. I love seeing ‘ah-ha!’ moments and the pride that comes from taking on something new. I love helping someone take the next step and being a part of a lively community at the same time.
What do you like most about working at Blackhawk?
The students and people I get to work with daily.
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
For years, I have talked to students who are joining the Blackhawk community from another college or university. They consistently tell me that our faculty and staff’s commitment to students and recognition of the student as a person makes us stand out as the right place for them.
What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
I love to spend time with my family: Mark, my son Abe and my daughter Violet. We have two orange cats and one dog. My hobbies include trying, usually unsuccessfully, to get pet hair off things, “adventuring” with my family, biking and crafty things – I recently learned to crochet!
What is your favorite color? Why?
Greens. They feel like new growth, life and renewal – so alive and fresh!
Do you play any musical instruments?
I play piano and flute, and I’m trying, inconsistently, to learn the ukulele. But I’m not someone that can play by ear or sight read and go. I need practice and practice. So, I’ll never just play something.
What was your first concert?
I don’t remember who it was, but I remember it was at the county fair! He let me come on stage and sing Shel Silverstein’s Unicorn song with him because I was very little.
What is your personal pizza order?
Sausage, onion and green pepper OR sausage and pineapple. Depends on the day.
What would be your perfect sandwich? Homemade? Jimmy John’s? Grilled Paninis?
A nice MLT. Mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe.
Who is your favorite Muppet?
I worked at a summer camp as a counselor a long time ago. We had to pick camp names, and I chose Beaker. I really enjoy the Muppets. The Swedish Chef is great! Animal too. I can’t pick.
Who is your favorite artist or piece of art?
I’m not great at picking favorites. This is hard. I saw an MC Esher exhibit a few years ago that I really liked. And for fun, I hope to go to a Bob Ross exhibit before the new year.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Again, why pick just one?! But for today, I have always wanted to go to Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.