Whether the task was large or small, Dianne DeMeyer Suschil approached everything with remarkable skill, care, and dedication—the very qualities that define an ideal Chico State staff member. For many across campus, Suschil was exactly that person.

Suschil spent 20 years in corporate sales management before making a career change in 2004 and taking a position on campus. She began as a part-time administrative support assistant in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts dean's office and eventually became the administrative analyst/specialist for the college. In this role, she was a vital resource for the dean, 300 faculty and staff, and seven departments.

With a longtime interest in the arts, Suschil was pleased her duties included budgeting for the North State Symphony, Janet Turner Print Museum, Humanities Center, and the college’s travel program. She also volunteered to help coordinate and work at many of the student, donor, and showcase events for programs in HFA.

“In everything she does, Dianne epitomizes excellence in customer service,” said Tracy Butts, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. “During her time here in the college, Dianne always went above and beyond—no matter the task asked of her. Her calming presence brought a spirit of collegiality and helpfulness to the dean’s office. This is because Dianne cared deeply about the college and its people, and she endeavored constantly to make it a place where people wanted to work.”

After 14 years, Suschil took an administrative analyst/specialist position in the Office of International Education & Global Engagement (IEGE). Among the areas she assisted with were study abroad and exchange programs, services to international students, and passport applications and renewals.

“Dianne literally could not be more delightful, supportive, kind, or keen. She is a rock, on which we all lean and depend,” said Jennifer Gruber, associate vice president for IEGE. “She spent so many hours staring at spreadsheets and analyzing data so our staff was poised to make the best decisions for our department and the University.”

When helping students and employees obtain passports and other documents, Suschil often took extra steps to help them with the process. She made appointments outside of normal hours and called state and federal agencies on their behalf. Following the Camp Fire in 2018, Suschil placed a special emphasis to help campus community members who had lost birth certificates and other vital papers.

Before her retirement in 2023, Suschil was named Chico State’s 2022 Employee of the Year at the Staff Excellence Awards luncheon.

For 15 years Suschil hosted North State Symphony musicians in her home. In retirement she volunteers at the Patrick Ranch and stays active in the community.