Virginia Wesleyan Letters of Legacy: Suzy Ralph Brett

By Susan Ralph Brett ’72

As I think about writing a Virginia Wesleyan Letter of Legacy, I keep coming back to the book Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Well, my version would be Everything I Needed to Learn About Life I Learned at Virginia Wesleyan College. Let me explain.

Before I reached VWC, my future was a bit rocky to say the least. I had given the valedictory speech at my high school graduation, yet I wasn’t even sure my parents would be there to see it. I was a smart, motivated kid—but without emotional or financial support to continue my education. Did I mention I was also tenacious? Nothing was going to keep me from achieving my dream of becoming an inspirational teacher like my fourth-grade teacher, who quietly placed a sharpened pencil on my desk each week because she saw my potential.

My brother told me about a little start-up college near Virginia Beach. What did I have to lose? I called the school, shared my credentials, and explained that financially, I’d be on my own. I waited for the return call that would change my life—it came with a message that spoke volumes: “We believe in you. Come on down, and we’ll help make your dream a reality.

Suzy Ralph Brett in 1972

Girls basketball team at virginia wesleyan

Virginia Wesleyan alumni gather at shorebreak

Members from the First 5 plant a tree at Virginia Wesleyan

Alumni Recognition Award presented to Susan R. Brett Class of 1972 for continuous service

Suzy's family

”From that moment, I learned one of life’s greatest lessons: Never give up on yourself. I literally ran away to college, full of hope and faith. And I discovered that when you let your faith be bigger than your fear, good things happen.

I arrived in September 1968 ready to set the world on fire! I worked three jobs—one as a proctor, another as the college receptionist through work study, and a third at Modern Bridal in Lynnhaven Mall. I didn’t have much free time, but I still managed to play on the basketball team and serve as president of my freshman class. Through it all, I learned to keep my sunny side up, because believing in yourself is the first step to success. And most importantly: Never do less than your best—and never let anyone be nicer than you.

At that time, our little college was still striving for accreditation, and all of us—students, professors, and staff—worked together to make it happen. We supported fundraisers, partnered with the Women of Wesleyan on their annual flea market, and spoke at Methodist churches about the importance of faith-based education. Another student and I were even picked up by Mr. Hoffheimer in his Corvette convertible to accompany him to luncheons (and even a fox hunt!) as we helped raise funds for our library. Through those experiences, I learned another powerful truth: Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.

These lessons spread like wildfire throughout my life—as a teacher, a friend, a mother, and a grandparent. When I left VWU, I was determined to use those lessons to make the rest of my life the best of my life—and I have.

Our family’s newest motto is “Live a Great Story,” and that’s exactly what we’ve done. I met my VWC partner-in-crime over 54 years ago, Tom Brett ’71, and together we continue to strive to make the world a better place. It began when we became foster parents at just 24 years old to a young man in need—we didn’t even know what foster parenting was at the time, but we knew he needed us, and we answered the call.

We’ve never stopped giving back. Today, we volunteer with our therapy dog, Capt. Morgan, visiting children at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and veterans at the Hampton VA’s Spinal Cord Unit. For eight years, those visits have been among the most meaningful parts of our lives.

Being a student at VWC taught me so many life skills—and those lessons have become my legacy. I can already see them reflected in my children and grandchildren, and that fills me with pride. The spirit of Virginia Wesleyan continues to grow through them, as we carry its spark wherever we go.

VWC molded my life, and that’s why I want its legacy to remain untouched in many ways. I want the focus to always be on students, relationships, caring, and sending graduates out into the world to make a positive mark.

We can’t let anyone take that away.