Suzy Irwin
/Suzy Irwin
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by KENDAL DOCKERY PHOTOGRAPHY
Friendly, dependable, and considerate are words that can easily be associated with Suzy Irwin. Her pleasant demeanor is contagious, and people are drawn to her infectious personality. Always ready to help a friend, Suzy often puts others’ wants and needs before her own. When asked what she imagined herself being when she was growing up, it is no surprise that Suzy saw herself working for Hallmark cards as a writer and designer, using her creative genius to come up with different ways to celebrate special moments in people’s lives!
Katy Beth, Natalie, Suzy, and Robert on a trip to New York City enjoying a frozen hot chocolate from the famous Serendipity Restaurant.
Suzy Irwin grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and graduated from Coronado High School. She then attended Texas Tech University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English-Technical Writing. She also attended Texas A&M University-Texarkana where she earned a Master of Adult Education with a specialization in Management.
Earning her master’s degree while working full-time and raising two children was the biggest obstacle Suzy has overcome. “Growing up, I never considered myself a ‘good student.’ My grades were okay, not great, and I struggled through almost every math class I have ever taken!” she remarks. “So, finding my love for learning and overcoming the obstacles of hating math, I became a straight A graduate student and have now earned 18 more graduate-level hours in business courses.”
Currently the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Texarkana College, Suzy chose to work in the field of higher education because she firmly believes that education is the key to opportunity and that by earning a higher education credential, a person can positively change the direction of their future. She explains, “I love working with students who are just starting out on their journey or those who have chosen to start over in their career pathway. It is such a rewarding career to hear the testimonies of those who have achieved their dream of completing their degree!”
The most valuable lesson Suzy has learned throughout her life is to stay genuine and authentic as her career advances. She also learned that being a part of a dynamic, talented, and visionary team is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have in their career. She believes that “every single job you have affords you the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and grow as an individual.”
Suzy’s proudest professional accomplishment was getting the opportunity to work with H. Ross Perot, alumnus of Texarkana College, on a public relations project to bring greater awareness and support to the college. “I was also able to work with my colleagues to honor and thank Mr. Perot for his support of the college with a permanent display journaling his lifetime achievements,” she asserts. “The display is located inside the library at Texarkana College.”
Suzy and Robert, her husband of 33 years, have two daughters who are kind and sincere, just like their parents. Daughter, Katy Beth Irwin McGahey is 27 years old and is married to Ryan McGahey. Daughter, Natalie, is 26 years old, and both daughters live in the DFW area. Suzy and Robert also have two rescue dogs that they love to spoil! In her free time, Suzy enjoys travelling with Robert and friends and going to new destinations. She also loves to plan and host holiday and celebration parties for family and friends and help make fun memories that last a lifetime!
Throughout her life, Christian mentors have influenced her the most. “My husband, Robert, my mother, and my grandmother have covered me and our family and friends in daily prayers – what a blessing!” she exclaims. “These mentors have shown me that true peace and joy comes from a deep relationship with Christ.”
Passionate about supporting Texarkana’s rich art and music culture, Suzy is amazed at the amount of talent in the Texarkana community. “The art, dance, theater, and music educators in our community are top in their fields, and we all benefit from their passion to keep the arts thriving in Texarkana. The opportunities we have in our community to enjoy the arts through TRAHC, our magnificent Perot Theatre, the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, Silvermoon, and Tex*Rep, are fantastic!” she says. “I serve on the board of Women for the Arts and have participated in Party with Picasso both as an artist and as an event volunteer. It is so awesome to see the work of so many talented people! I also had the opportunity to serve as a Celebrity Conductor contestant for TSO. Through these efforts, I have seen an inside view of the love, passion, and vision these organizations have for providing and sustaining access to amazing talent in our community. I am so grateful!”
Suzy believes that part of her legacy is to help raise up the next generation of women and be a good role model for them while leaning on God and loving unconditionally. She encourages young women today to be authentic and genuine – the foundation of every solid relationship, both personal and professional.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
- Psalms 121:8, often shared with Suzy and her entire family by her mother, Barbara Carl
The way Mindy Preston sees her
Suzy Irwin is the definition of true friendship. She is a Godly, southern lady in whom I respect. We laugh, cry, and pray together. She is always there when I need someone to lean upon. She is full of wisdom and gives the best advice. We can be real with each other, and she is a very trustworthy friend.
Suzy is pure joy to work with. We have worked together for almost 11 years. There is not a day that goes by that we are not bouncing ideas back and forth. We have coordinated banquets, luncheons, receptions, ribbon cuttings, dinners, open houses, fundraisers, parties, and even a funeral, together.
Suzy is the best writer around. Give her a subject, she will research, and produce a lovely article. She is also extremely creative. A very respected member of the community, Suzy meets and relates to everyone so well, always giving credit to others.
Suzy loves big. She loves her God, her family, and her friends. I know without a doubt that the Lord has blessed me with this precious friend. She is truly a gift from God.
Everyone needs a dear sweet friend like Suzy Irwin.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17