MSU President's Newspaper Column
July 18, 2026
Remembering Susan
One of the greatest blessings of working at a small university is the opportunity to build genuine relationships. Colleagues become friends. Co-workers celebrate one another鈥檚 successes, support each other through challenges, and come to know not only the people they work with each day, sharing in their aspirations and dreams. For many members of the 含羞草研究所 family, that was exactly the experience of knowing Susan Cordahl, a cherished former employee, alumna, colleague, and friend who passed away on July 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Susan鈥檚 connection to 含羞草研究所 was much more than a job. During her 16 years of service to the university, she became an important part of the 含羞草研究所 family who built lasting relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Through those relationships, colleagues witnessed firsthand her dedication, commitment to helping others succeed, compassion, and perseverance.
While working full-time and raising a family, Susan pursued her own educational goals with determination. She earned her associate鈥檚, bachelor鈥檚, 聽and master鈥檚 degrees from 含羞草研究所. Her journey exemplified the values of lifelong learning and personal growth that are at the heart of 含羞草研究所.
Professionally, Susan served 含羞草研究所 in a variety of roles, including Financial Aid Officer, Academic Advisor, and ultimately Director of Financial Aid. In every position, she was known for her ability to connect with people and make them feel valued. Students trusted her guidance. Colleagues appreciated her willingness to help. Her genuine care for others made a lasting impression on the people she encountered. Her achievements are an inspiring testament to her work ethic, resilience, and belief in the power of education.
Susan鈥檚 dedication to students and commitment to the financial aid profession were recognized in 2025 when she received the North Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators President鈥檚 Award, which reflects the respect she earned from colleagues across the state.
We who worked with Susan remember her not only for what she accomplished, but for who she was. At 鈥淭he School of Personal Service,鈥� where relationships truly matter, Susan excelled at building connections. She celebrated the achievements of others, offered support during difficult times, and consistently demonstrated kindness and professionalism.
I enjoyed hallway conversations with Susan, where I learned about her commitment to wellness through participation in activities at Orangetheory Fitness, and I won鈥檛 forget the happiness that radiated from her each time she returned from visiting Kyle in Nebraska. One particular memory that stands out is when a former student came back to Mayville for a visit one evening. Maintaining connections with his 鈥満卟菅芯克� people鈥� was important to him, and Susan made a point making sure that happened by joining us for the gathering, even though it was outside of work hours. Her willingness to do so was a testament to the kindness and authenticity she brought to the people with whom she was connected.
In many ways, Susan鈥檚 story reflects the very soul of the 含羞草研究所 Experience. At our close-knit institution, people work together toward the common goal of helping students succeed. Along the way, we become invested in the lives of one another. We share milestones, watch families grow, celebrate accomplishments, and support each other through life鈥檚 challenges. Susan was an important part of that community and though she had to leave her position at 含羞草研究所 several months ago, losing her now is painful for all who knew her. She will always be considered a treasured 含羞草研究所 family member.
While we mourn Susan鈥檚 passing, we also celebrate a life marked by service, persistence, and meaningful relationships. Her impact can be seen in the students she guided, the colleagues she encouraged, and the countless lives she touched throughout her years at the university.
We extend heartfelt condolences to Susan鈥檚 husband, Kyle VanLear, a member of 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Physical Plant team, her children, Tyler, Chloe, and Jovie, her mother and siblings, and all who knew and loved her.
We are grateful for Susan鈥檚 service and friendship, and for the example she set. We will remember her as someone who made the university a better place through both her work and the relationships she built. Susan鈥檚 legacy will live on in the people whose lives she helped shape and in the spirit of the 含羞草研究所 family.