Light Finds The Art In Retirement
August 19, 2020 at 3:55 a.m.
Light Finds The Art In Retirement
By David [email protected]
After she announced she was retiring this year, Stephanie Overbey was named her successor and a retirement party in Light’s honor was announced. Then party plans were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But, finally, on Tuesday at the Winona Heritage Room, Light’s friends, the community and the KCCF Board of Directors honored Light’s commitment to the Foundation and the community with an art-themed retirement party, complete with a red carpet and a greeting line. Along the red carpet were famous paintings reimagined with Light’s face on them.
At 5:30 p.m. came the big reveal on the stage.
Sally Mahnken, board president, welcomed those present and said, “On behalf of the board and the staff, I really would like to welcome you on this very special occasion, where we have come together to celebrate the career and the accomplishments of this incredible woman, Suzie Light.”
Light began her tenure in August 1993 as the Foundation’s assistant director. In January 1995, she was promoted to the executive director position, which is now called the CEO.
“Under Suzie’s leadership, the Foundation’s assets grew from $400,000 to more than $60 million,” Mahnken said, which drew applause. Light interjected, “Thanks to the donors and the board. I didn’t write that check!”
Mahnken then said the annual grant making during Light’s tenure grew from $17,000 to more than $3 million.
She said Light’s accomplishments are impressive, but “more exceptional than her accomplishments is her ability to connect to people, whether that’s a donor of a million dollars or a student that has received a scholarship award.”
After Mahnken thanked the staff who worked “very hard” on Light’s retirement party, Overbey made a special presentation to Light.
“What a special night to celebrate an extra special woman. Special to all of us. Very special to me,” Overbey said. “It’s been my pleasure and privilege to serve under Suzie’s leadership for 20 years.”
She said she worked three or four different jobs for a year at a time. She recalled saying a prayer for God to send her someplace where she’d want to be for a long time.
“Now she can’t get rid of me!” Overbey said to laughter. “I’m so glad she hired me.”
She thanked Light for her “incredible” leadership, to the KCCF, donors, board, volunteers and staff. In tears by then, Overbey said, “On a personal note, thank you for all that you have taught me about philanthropy and service and leadership. You taught me not just through words but through example, and I am forever grateful to now serve in the position you have lived so well. And I hope to make you proud. Thank you for preparing me for that service.”
Once she finished her comments, she presented Light with the special gift.
“Most of you know about Suzie that she is a lover of the arts, especially public displays of art that are available for all to enjoy,” Overbey said. “And so, the Board commissioned a bronze relief sculpture that will be on public display in Suzie’s honor.”
Indiana artist Steve Shelby created the piece titled “Lighting the Way” in bronze relief. Bronze relief is one of the earliest forms of visual storytelling sculpture, Overbey said. “It is anchored to a flat surface like a wall,” she said.
A plaque that will be hung with the art piece reads, “Title: Lighting the Way. Artwork by Indiana artist Steve Shelby. Commissioned by the Board of Directors Kosciusko County Community Foundation. In honor of Suzanne M. Light. Executive Director and CEO 1993-2020. Celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the community and her intrinsic ability to unleash the power of philanthropy.”
Overbey said that in addition to the public art piece, Shelby also designed a miniature version of the piece in silver for Light to wear as jewelry.
After they unveiled the art piece, which will be mounted to the outside of the KCCF building, Light thanked the board and then said, “Thank you all for being here, and especially I want to say thank you to Neal Carlson who took a chance when he asked me if I would come work at the Foundation and I said yes.”
She told Overbey she was so proud of her. Overbey’s first day as CEO was March 1. The coronavirus pandemic “happened March 13 and she navigated that with grace and is just wonderful,” Light said of Overbey. “Thank you. This is a great community and you all make it that way. Thanks!”
After she announced she was retiring this year, Stephanie Overbey was named her successor and a retirement party in Light’s honor was announced. Then party plans were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But, finally, on Tuesday at the Winona Heritage Room, Light’s friends, the community and the KCCF Board of Directors honored Light’s commitment to the Foundation and the community with an art-themed retirement party, complete with a red carpet and a greeting line. Along the red carpet were famous paintings reimagined with Light’s face on them.
At 5:30 p.m. came the big reveal on the stage.
Sally Mahnken, board president, welcomed those present and said, “On behalf of the board and the staff, I really would like to welcome you on this very special occasion, where we have come together to celebrate the career and the accomplishments of this incredible woman, Suzie Light.”
Light began her tenure in August 1993 as the Foundation’s assistant director. In January 1995, she was promoted to the executive director position, which is now called the CEO.
“Under Suzie’s leadership, the Foundation’s assets grew from $400,000 to more than $60 million,” Mahnken said, which drew applause. Light interjected, “Thanks to the donors and the board. I didn’t write that check!”
Mahnken then said the annual grant making during Light’s tenure grew from $17,000 to more than $3 million.
She said Light’s accomplishments are impressive, but “more exceptional than her accomplishments is her ability to connect to people, whether that’s a donor of a million dollars or a student that has received a scholarship award.”
After Mahnken thanked the staff who worked “very hard” on Light’s retirement party, Overbey made a special presentation to Light.
“What a special night to celebrate an extra special woman. Special to all of us. Very special to me,” Overbey said. “It’s been my pleasure and privilege to serve under Suzie’s leadership for 20 years.”
She said she worked three or four different jobs for a year at a time. She recalled saying a prayer for God to send her someplace where she’d want to be for a long time.
“Now she can’t get rid of me!” Overbey said to laughter. “I’m so glad she hired me.”
She thanked Light for her “incredible” leadership, to the KCCF, donors, board, volunteers and staff. In tears by then, Overbey said, “On a personal note, thank you for all that you have taught me about philanthropy and service and leadership. You taught me not just through words but through example, and I am forever grateful to now serve in the position you have lived so well. And I hope to make you proud. Thank you for preparing me for that service.”
Once she finished her comments, she presented Light with the special gift.
“Most of you know about Suzie that she is a lover of the arts, especially public displays of art that are available for all to enjoy,” Overbey said. “And so, the Board commissioned a bronze relief sculpture that will be on public display in Suzie’s honor.”
Indiana artist Steve Shelby created the piece titled “Lighting the Way” in bronze relief. Bronze relief is one of the earliest forms of visual storytelling sculpture, Overbey said. “It is anchored to a flat surface like a wall,” she said.
A plaque that will be hung with the art piece reads, “Title: Lighting the Way. Artwork by Indiana artist Steve Shelby. Commissioned by the Board of Directors Kosciusko County Community Foundation. In honor of Suzanne M. Light. Executive Director and CEO 1993-2020. Celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the community and her intrinsic ability to unleash the power of philanthropy.”
Overbey said that in addition to the public art piece, Shelby also designed a miniature version of the piece in silver for Light to wear as jewelry.
After they unveiled the art piece, which will be mounted to the outside of the KCCF building, Light thanked the board and then said, “Thank you all for being here, and especially I want to say thank you to Neal Carlson who took a chance when he asked me if I would come work at the Foundation and I said yes.”
She told Overbey she was so proud of her. Overbey’s first day as CEO was March 1. The coronavirus pandemic “happened March 13 and she navigated that with grace and is just wonderful,” Light said of Overbey. “Thank you. This is a great community and you all make it that way. Thanks!”
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