Susan G. (Graaskamp) Martin '60

2005 Distinguished Alumna Award for Community Service

Susan is a proud member of a legacy family. Susan’s older sister, Jean (Graaskamp) Rein '54 attended Carroll, as did her parents, Oliver R. '29 & Alison (Caldwell) '27 Graaskamp. Several of her uncles and aunt also attended Carroll including: Lester W. '18, Clifford J. '20, Arnold R. '22 and Jeanette E. '25 Graaskamp.

Susan is a 1960 graduate of Carroll earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology. She was an active member of the student body, participating in the Sociology and Psychology Clubs, Spanish Club and the Religion in Life Committee. She also worked on the Hinakaga yearbook and the Echo staff, the student newspaper. In addition, Susan was vice president of the Chi Omega sorority and served on the Panhellenic Council.

Martin led a successful career in the insurance industry. Following her retirement from Allstate Insurance Company in 1994, volunteering in her community of Portage, Wisconsin has been a full time job for Susan. She has been a dedicated volunteer at the local hospital, Friends of the Portage Free Library and has been involved in the Portage Women’s Civic League. Her activities with the Civic League have involved serving as the publicity chair, membership chair, program chair, vice president, treasurer and financial consultant. She has also been active as chair of the scholarship committee at the Partners of Divine Savior.

As an extension of her love for community, she decided to take on an even greater role by standing for election to the position of County Supervisor for the 17th District of Columbia County in 1998. She was successful in helping on the labor negotiation team, human resources and planning and zoning committees. After her first two year term on the County board, Susan was elected by her peers to serve on the Executive Committee followed by two years as Vice Chair then assuming the position of Chair in April 2004.

Currently, Susan continues her service as a County Supervisor where she is chairwoman of the human resources committee and a member of the highway committee. She lives in Portage, Wisconsin with her husband Chris.