We’re going to miss Susan Hoekenga

We’re going to miss Susan Hoekenga.

In an email this month, Hoekenga tendered her resignation from our Board of Directors, which she joined in 2011. During her recent service as President, Hoekenga steered the organization through the turbulence of the pandemic and also oversaw the launches of a new website and electronic newsletter and expansion of social media channels.

In her email, she she thanked her colleagues said she was fortunate to support scholars.

“Getting to know some of the enthusiastic young people and hearing about their goals and aspirations made the SDEF one of the most enjoyable boards I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” Hoekenga said in her email.

She has moved to Michigan, where she will work with her church and nonprofit groups in her community. 

One of her San Diego Education Fund colleagues, Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, said that Hoekenga approached her service with hard work, concern and passion.

“The students in SDUSD are better because of your contributions,” Whitehurst-Payne said. “I know that the new organizations that you work with will benefit greatly from your service.”

More accolades came from Interim President Becky Phillpott.

“Your leadership helped guide the organization through the challenging time of the pandemic, and in better times as we move towards the future,” Phillpott said. “Throughout your time on the board the organization remained in solid financial footing and helped create success pathways for many young people in San Diego.”