Opinion

Sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau remember longtime adviser

This past summer, the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau suffered a loss. Our longtime adviser, sister and friend, Suzanne P-Jobb lost her battle with breast cancer and passed away.  To us this was so sudden.

Upon receiving the news, we responded well, despite our broken hearts.  School not being in session, it was difficult for some to make their way to Clarion to attend the funeral on such short notice.

When I made my way up, I expected us to be low in numbers as well as in spirits.  On the contrary, we stood together as one family who had lost their mother.  After the service, many of us, including alumnae members, met together. I expected a somber scene, but again was proved incorrect.

While we reminisced, we found ourselves laughing.  We laughed about how very special and irreplaceable Suzanne was in her unconventional ways and immeasurable graciousness.  We laughed about and adored the memories we will always have to share of her.

Annemarie Wagner, who pledged Alpha Sigma Tau in fall of ’79, remembered one of her experiences with the adviser.

“Back in the early ’80s when I was in college, we all looked up to Mrs. P-Jobb,” she said. “The thing I most remember her for is, she is the first one who ever convinced me to run a 10-K road race.  She saw me out running one day and asked me why I hadn’t signed up for the one in Clarion as she was going to do it, implying that obviously I could do it, too, and should.

“She had a certain way about her where you just didn’t say ‘no’ or ‘I can’t’ or even ‘I really don’t feel like it.’  Well, I did run it.  I am not sure how it could have been six miles uphill, but it was.  When I finished I felt on top of the world, as Mrs. P-Jobb had told me I would. As a result of her encouragement to run that race, I ran many more over the years and have often thought of her as being the reason.”

Suzanne had a heart of gold and eyes of steel.  She was an employee and student of Clarion University.  As a former member of the foreign language department and later the secretary of the education department, she enrolled in courses along with the students.  Her several and various degrees exemplify just a slice of her wisdom.

Suzanne knew the value of hard work and a supreme mind.  As AST’s adviser, she could quiet a room of 60-plus girls with one raised eyebrow.  She used few words at meetings, but when she spoke, we listened intently with our hearts and minds.

She challenged us to do better and grow from our mistakes.  Many had a healthy fear of Suzanne, for none of us wanted to risk losing her approval.  She prided herself on being the first initiated sister of AST — Alpha Omicron order No. 1!

Tamana Jobb, one of Suzanne P-Jobb’s six children, said, “The days and months after my mom’s passing have been pretty hard to deal with. It feels strange to know she is gone. I could never imagine anyone getting used to a loved one passing away.

“She was a very strong woman. I am proud to say that I got some of my strength from her. She was also a very intelligent person. If I had a question, she almost always knew the answer. If I needed help with school she was always there to help.

“She loved sports and was a big Pittsburgh sports fan. When the Pens won the cup I said that those boys won it for her. I just wish she would have been here to see it.

“With the holidays approaching; it’s going to be sad and scary that she isn’t here. We all just miss her so much, and I wish I could have my mother back with me.”

Suzanne was an admirable woman and a role model for all of us to remember. She taught us to laugh, to love life and to be happy, even when pressing times tempt you to do otherwise.

To her family, we all say this: Your mother taught our sorority to always be learning, to present ourselves with etiquette and charisma as we reflect each other. We could not be who we are without her. Thank you so sincerely for sharing your mother with us.

–Barbara Murray and the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau