Susan Smith Ross:
CLASS OF 1974
Centennial High SchoolClass of 1974
Champaign, IL
University of Illinois - Law Class of 1991
Urbana, IL
Southern Illinois UniversityClass of 1978
Carbondale, IL
University of Illinois High SchoolClass of 1974
Urbana, IL
Booker T. Washington Elementary SchoolClass of 1969
Champaign, IL
Susan's Story
Life
After graduating from Centennial, I went to SIU in Carbondale where I received a degree in Human Resources (yeah . . . I was on the five-year plan). Moved to Chicago in September 1979; lived and worked there until 1988 when I enrolled in the U of I College of Law. Got married in 1990 and graduated from law school in 1991. Returned to Chicago upon graduation. Had a son in 1991 who died shortly after birth. Practiced law for about five years. My daughter, Taylor, was born in 1994. Currently working at DePaul's law school in Chicago as Assoc. Dir. of Career Services. Attended the 10th and 20th reunions for the Class of 1974. Parents still live in Champaign in the same place. Visit Champaign several times a year. Currently separated from husband. Live on Chicago's South Side (Avalon Park).
School
Attended Booker T. Washington School before it was known as "B.T. Washington" (who shortened Booker's name!). This was before the integration of Unit #4 schools and Washington was an all-Black, K-6 school. My last year at Washing...Expand for more
ton was the first year of desegregation. Washington was the UI's elementary lab school -- we had a computer (PLATO) lab in 1968! From Washington, went to Uni High where I was the only Black girl in the Class of 1974. Uni was okay, just got tired of being a novelty. Was in "Big Show" and the Mixed Chorus, and I was secretary of my class. Stayed there for my sub-freshman (7/8) and freshman years and then transferred to Centennial. At CHS, I was a Lancer and served as Vice President of the Junior Class. Member of the Afro-American Club and the Senior Girls Council.
Workplace
I'm currently the Associate Director of Career Services at DePaul's law school in Chicago. Been here since 1998. I assist law students with career planning and development, especially those interested in legal public service careers. Prior to working at DePaul, I held NUMEROUS jobs. Most recently, I worked as the Human Resources Director at a social service agency and as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services's Chicago Regional Office.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions