For the past 33 years, Susan Martin has played an important role in upholding the tradition of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge rooted in Catholic Central’s mission. 

In her role as the school’s Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Sue has served seven principals – all Basilian priests – starting with Fr. Joseph Moffatt, CSB ‘51, and ending with Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB. 

Each principal had their unique personalities, values, and ways of doing things, but all would agree that Sue was integral to their success. 

To celebrate her retirement, we sat down with Sue and chatted about her time here at Catholic Central. Read on to learn about her and the tremendous impact she’s had on Catholic Central. 

Q: How long have you been employed at Catholic Central? What drew you to the position?

A: I started in August 1991 and have been here for 33 years. I was looking for a part-time position that would allow me to be at home with my children after school.  

Q. How has your role changed over the years? In what ways has it stayed the same?

A: Fr. Moffatt hired me as an assistant to the Athletic Director, Mr. Bob Santello. I was CC’s first Athletic Department secretary. Soon after, Fr. Moffatt would come to my office to dictate his letters to me. Between working for Mr. Santello and Fr. Moffatt, my working hours had to be expanded. 

One day during the summer, Fr. Moffatt told me to report to him the next morning. The part-time job then turned into a full-time position, and my role since then has been as Administrative Assistant to the Principal. It worked out because working in a school still allowed me to be home for my kids. 

Q. Do you have a favorite memory of Catholic Central you can share?

A: There are so many favorite memories -- mostly having to do with the Boys' Bowl and DRIVE assemblies. The skits in the 90s were live, and the students very often would do parodies of Saturday Night Live skits, like when one of the students impersonated Chris Farley and his "I live in a van down by the river" skit. 

Another favorite was the Jeopardy skit. They would imitate Fr. John Ward, CSB ‘59 teaching math, and he would be all covered in chalk. (That was one of the few times I ever saw Fr. Ward laugh.)

Q. As someone who has been part of the Catholic Central family for so long, how would you describe the culture and environment to someone who might not be familiar with CC? What do you think makes this school unique?

A: I often tell parents that the friends their sons make at Catholic Central become life-long friends. I know this to be true because of my son Andrew ‘01. To this day, two of his best friends are CC graduates; they have remained close friends through thick and thin. I hear similar stories from other parents – they stand up for each other’s weddings and are godfathers to their children.

When alumni visit the school, their former teachers remember them by name, talk to them, and ask how they're doing post-CC. The teachers sincerely care for their students, not just while they are students. To me, that’s what’s so special. 

Q. What lessons have you learned from your time here that you think are important to pass on?

A: To be more empathetic and understanding toward everyone -- coworkers, students, parents, and that there are always two sides to every situation. You don’t know what people’s struggles are, and what they may be going through. This serves me well even outside of school. When someone does something to upset me, I stop and remind myself that maybe they’re going through some personal struggles. It goes both ways. 

Fr. John Huber, CSB taught me the lesson that everyone has their fears and struggles. He made me aware of things like that. 

Q. Can you share a few of the accomplishments you are most proud of during your tenure?

A: I think I earned the respect of each Basilian for whom I worked. I did my best to run the Principal's office as smoothly and efficiently as possible. My goal was to always be a source of support to each of them. Each principal had his unique personality to which, I believe, I was able to adapt. I learned so much from each of them, and I will never forget their many kindnesses toward me. Most of all, I will treasure forever the many times we laughed together.

Q. What are your plans for retirement? Are there any projects or hobbies you are looking forward to pursuing? How do you think you will stay connected to the school, if at all?

A: I want to be available for my children -- Andrew and Clare. I want to see them and other members of my family more often. As far as projects -- the usual things like gardening, baking, and picking up my cross-stitch needle again. Most of all, I am looking forward to staying up late at night and sleeping past 4:30 in the morning. 

My grandson, Nick Waterstradt, cried when he learned I was retiring. He said he likes coming to CC. So, I am sure I will return for assemblies and athletic events with him. I dream that he will be a CC Shamrock of the Class of 2037. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? How would you like to be remembered at CC?

A: Of course, I want to be remembered as being kind and helpful to everyone, and that I was a partner in teaching generations of students the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. I will miss everyone and will remember everyone for their kindness and good wishes upon my retirement.