Susan Graham’s story is one of resilience, service, and deep ties to her roots in Meridian. As an alumna of Meridian High School, Susan has lived a life dedicated to supporting young people and the institutions that shape them. She’s a woman who wears many hats—educator, fundraiser, mentor, mother, and now, director of development at Southern Illinois University’s College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences. And her journey has been nothing short of fascinating.

Born and raised in Mounds City, Susan is no stranger to hard work and determination. "I grew up in a small town, went to school here at Meridian," she recalls, a smile forming as she recounts her early days. Her connection to the school and community runs deep. "My parents still live in the area, and even when I moved away, I never felt disconnected from this place."

But Susan’s journey didn’t follow a straight line. After graduating from Meridian in 1987, she attended Shawnee College, benefiting from a scholarship that allowed her to pursue higher education. She later transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, but soon found that commuting from her small town wasn’t for her. "I hated being a commuter student," Susan says with a laugh. "Cape Girardeau was a long drive, and I just couldn’t make it work."

Instead of letting the challenges derail her, Susan shifted gears. She married, started a family, and eventually found her way to Southern Illinois University, where she has worked for more than three decades, beginning in March of 1993. "I’ve been in continuing education, outreach, recruitment, and now development," she explains. "My role has evolved, but my passion for helping students succeed has always been at the core of what I do."

One of the most remarkable aspects of Susan’s life is her family. She’s the proud mother of quadruplet sons, an extraordinary story in itself. "I have quadruplets, two identical and two fraternal," she says. "It was a complete surprise. I was almost 12 weeks pregnant when we found out." The media attention that followed could have been overwhelming, but Susan and her family took it in stride, even turning down an interview with Oprah to focus on what mattered most—raising their children.

Her role as a mother has undoubtedly shaped her approach to education and her commitment to creating opportunities for students. "Having four boys taught me a lot about patience, resilience, and the importance of community," she reflects. "We had tremendous support from our hometown, including a penny drive for diapers when the boys were born. That’s the kind of community Meridian is."

Today, as the director of development for SIU’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Susan works tirelessly to ensure that students from rural communities like Meridian have access to the same opportunities she had. "I’m passionate about making sure students know there’s more out there than just their hometown," she says. "If they want to come back and contribute to their community, that’s great. But first, they need to see the world and get the education that will allow them to make that choice."

Susan’s connection to education runs deep, not just through her professional career but through her family’s history. Her grandmother, who attended SIU in the 1920s, was a trailblazer in her own right, working during the year to save enough money for summer classes. "She took enough credits to pass the teaching exam and taught in a one-room schoolhouse," Susan shares proudly. "As far as we know, I was the first one since her to graduate from SIU."

And Susan isn’t just focused on her own success—she’s dedicated to paying it forward. "My husband and I are working on setting up a scholarship that will benefit students from Meridian and Du Quoin, where he’s from," she says. "I don’t want to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. It’s about leaving a legacy and making sure future generations have the opportunities we had."

Through her work at SIU, Susan has been able to support countless students and help them pursue their dreams. Whether it’s through FFA programs, outreach initiatives, or her role in fundraising, she’s making an impact. "We’ve expanded so many of our programs, and I’m especially proud of the growth in agricultural education," she says. "FFA has my heart, and seeing how much it’s grown in Illinois is incredible."

But Susan’s story is more than just about her professional accomplishments—it’s about the relationships she’s built along the way. "I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and finding ways to help," she says. "It’s not just about raising money—it’s about giving students the best opportunities available and showing them that someone believes in them."

As she continues her work at SIU, Susan remains as committed as ever to supporting young people and giving back to the community that raised her. "I never dreamed that walking the halls of Meridian High School would lead me here," she reflects. "But I’m grateful every day for the journey I’ve had and the opportunity to help others along the way."

Susan Graham’s life of service and dedication is a testament to the power of education, community, and the belief that with the right support, anything is possible.