Susan Varner Wilkins 2014

Personal Summary
for
Susan Varner Wilkins
 
Susan received the Southeast Distinguished Alumni award in 2014 for her work and volunteerism as a registered nurse and as co-founder of Barth-Syndrome Foundation.
 
A 1972 graduate of Lincoln Southeast, Susan Varner Wilkins was involved in competitive swimming and Knightettes while attending high school.
 
Susan graduated from Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing in 1976.
 
Patricia Horn Cimino stated in her reason for nomination [for 2014 Award]:
Through her work and volunteerism, Sue has had a positive effect on hundreds, maybe thousands, of individuals and families. She is an “agent for change” and provides hope and comfort to the many people she serves. Professionally, Sue is a registered nurse. She has worked in hospice care, at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, and and currently works in the Specialty Clinic at Gastroenterology Specialities. It is Sue’s work outside of her day job that has had a positive and lasting impact on hundreds of families. Sue’s family has been touched by a rare genetic condition named “Barth Syndrome”. Sue co-founded the Barth Syndrome Foundation (BSF) in 2000. From a very humble start, with only a handful of identified families, the nonprofit BSF is now active in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia – countries on continents all over the world. BSF has been in a pilot program at the National Institutes of Health, has a dedicated clinic at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, has its own medical diagnosis code, has an active Scientific and Medical research grant program, and the foundation also organizes and hosts a biennial International Scientific, Medical and Family conference. Just as importantly, through their website, BSF connects families (parents, siblings, and “Barth kids”) all over the world who are touched by this syndrome. Sue has served as treasurer of the foundation, as a member of the board of directors, and assists in the conference planning. She is instrumental in the BSF continued growth and accomplishments.
 
Please visit the Barth Syndrome Foundation
for more information about the foundation.
 
Susan has served on the Lied Center for Performing Arts Advisory, the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Advisory Board, Lincoln Community Foundation Board of Directors, Stephen Ministry, and Folsom Children’s Zoo Board of Directors.
 
The Southeast teacher who had the biggest impact on her life was English teacher, Mary Commers.
 
Sue’s family includes husband Mike, son John, daughter Jessica, son-in-law Mark and granddaughter Anna.