Suzanne Adams, member and former chair of the Mills board of trustees, died in her sleep Nov. 20 after stepping down from her position as board chair because of health problems.
Adams is remembered for her spirited personality and generosity. Fellow board members considered her a good friend.
“We have lost a good friend and valued member of the Mills community now that Suzanne is no longer with us,” wrote chair Vivian Stephenson in an e-mail to the Mills community.
Adams was a generous donor, whose most recent gift to the college was support for the construction of Suzanne Adams Plaza, described by Stephenson as a welcome reminder to the Mills community of “her devotion to students and the power of education to transform lives.”
In a May 2001, Adams became the board chair after being a member since 1994. Her distinguished record of service to Mills was celebrated by awarding her an honorary degree at Commencement.
Before joining the trustees, the 1948 grad had been an active member of the Alumnae Association. Her friends in the Alumnae Association presented her with a pearl M at a luncheon after the Commencement ceremony.
She treasured the pearl M as a token of appreciation from her classmates.
She inspired the current student body at colloquium, where she told seniors that the Mills motto “translated loosely to ‘go get them’.”
In keeping with her wishes, the Mills community has been advised against sending flowers or condolence in Adams’ memory. In an October Board meeting, a reception was held for Adams in the Student Union to recognize her for her many contributions to the college and to celebrate her legacy at that time.
