Rotarian Susan Donn’s love of dance began as a very young girl when she started tap dancing. Years later after marrying her husband, Allan, they took disco lessons. Although the disco phase has passed, she continues her love of dance through ballroom dancing.

    Susan was born in Thomasville, Georgia, while her physician father was stationed in Hawaii with the U. S. Army.  Although her dad was from Georgia, he decided on establishing his medical practice in Jackson, Mississippi, after having been stationed there. She followed in her mother’s footsteps to Goucher College and earned a BA degree in art. She spent one summer studying at Harvard with the intent of meeting and marrying a doctor. That did not turn out to be the case. Rather, she met Allan Donn when they both were in a friend’s wedding.  Ironically, Allan, who became her husband, has a degree from Harvard University.

     When Allan was stationed at Fort Meade, Susan earned a degree in interior design from American University. After they moved to Norfolk, Susan was the first to establish a professional interior design firm in Virginia. Her favorite design project was for Norfolk Southern after the consolidation of two railroads and relocation here.  After 35 years in interior design, Susan changed her career emphasis and became a commercial real estate broker.

Susan’s introduction to Rotary was when she was asked to speak to the club.  She joined our club in 2002 and was club president in 2013-2014 when we celebrated our club's centennial. She is a Paul Harris Fellow. Susan likes Rotary’s community service and networking. With a wide diversity of backgrounds, she knows she can tap into needed expertise through the club members.              

     In addition to dance Susan enjoys playing bridge, art and improving the environment.  She has returned to her roots by designing and making furniture. She and Allan have one son, Adam.

    As a child, Susan’s dad gave her two pieces of advice which she continues to live by today. The first is that you should never be afraid to say what you think. Her dad also told her to always smile and hitch her wagon to a star.