Staff Board of Trustees
Executive Director Susie Kaeser is the 2004 winner of the Bernice and Lacy Lott Memorial Award for Outstanding Citizen of Cleveland Heights-University Heights.
The Heights Community Congress gives the award each year to a citizen whose actions exemplify the values of the Congress: a commitment to social justice, diversity, community and the well being of youth.
Kaeser, a 26 year resident of Cleveland Heights , was recognized for her contributions to strengthening the Heights community as director of Reaching Heights , as a member of the Cleveland Heights Visioning Committee and the Boulevard Playground committee, and as a public school volunteer.
Louisa Oliver told the HCC members, “Like Bernice and Lacy, Susie is driven to be active in her community. She cares deeply about its vitality and success. She does not sit back and expect others to work for change- she takes the lead and then calls on each of us to bring our talents and convictions to the table and get involved.”
The award, first given in 1983, was created to honor Bernice Lott, the first African American trustee of HCC, and Lacy Lott a long–time HCC leader. The Lotts were dedicated proponents of citizen activism, integration, and social justice. Bernice Lott was president of the CH-UH Board of Education in 1977.
“I'm honored to be associated with the legacy of these wonderful community leaders, Bernice and Lacy Lott, and the other recipients of this award. They are my heroes,” said Kaeser in receiving the award.
