Meet an Advisor: Susan Zilka Swartz

Recently retired from government service, Susan Zilka Swartz (Alpha Pi 1979/Slippery Rock) decided to join a group of Sisters returning for Slippery Rock University’s Homecoming in 2019. While there, she connected with current collegiate members – her first time doing so in almost 40 years. “I could tell that these women needed my support,” said Susan. 

She reached out to learn more about being an advisor and was appointed as the Alumnae Engagement Advisor in 2021. “I met with the officers in charge of collegiate-alumnae engagement, and they came up with plans,” she explained. “I really enjoyed that, but I do love that I can be in person now.”  

When the previous Chapter Advisor had to step away for personal reasons, Susan decided to throw her hat in the ring. “I wasn’t very experienced and was new to advising at the time, but I knew I could dedicate the time and energy to the women of the chapter,” she said. Shortly afterward, she became the Alpha Pi Chapter Advisor in April 2022. 

Susan currently drives 40 minutes to Slippery Rock multiple times a week. She meets weekly with the Chapter President and every other week with other Vice Presidents, all one-on-one. She also attends all the chapter meetings and as many recruitment events as she can. 

Her favorite moments so far have been connecting more with the families of the women she supports. “In the lead-up to exam week, I reached out to the families and introduced myself, and talked a little bit more about Alpha Sigma Tau and our mission. I asked them to help me surprise the chapter with gifts to brighten up the exam period,” Susan explained. 

Her house was soon filled with supplies and gifts that Susan and two other Alpha Pi Chapter alumnae sorted into baskets and delivered to the chapter women. “They were really surprised, and I think it touched them to receive those gift baskets, so that was a really fun experience for me,” she said. 

In recognition of her time and dedication, in November 2022, the Alpha Pi Chapter nominated Susan for their Panhellenic’s Advisor of the Year Award – and she won! “It was a real honor to be recognized like that,” she said. 

To other Chapter Advisory Board members, Susan offers one piece of advice: Be patient. She said, “It’s a different generation of women – they react differently than I might. And while sometimes it can be frustrating and you just want to jump in and handle things, you need to be patient and work with them.” 

Thank you to Susan and to all the advisors who help our collegiate women grow every single day!