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Enriching firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities

2022 Ralph D. Mershon Award

Susan P. Munthe

Susan P. Munthe ’74

At the age of 12, Susan Munthe ’74, was mesmerized by Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes. Although she grew up in Michigan, the football-obsessed student told her father she wanted to attend Ohio State and never swerved from her path.

Her undergraduate experience was not what she envisioned. Since her father was paying out-of-state tuition, she wanted to quickly finish school. Munthe attended college year-round, finishing in 11 quarters without much time to get involved in school activities.

“I found the whole experience incredibly challenging,” says Munthe. “I always like to share that the best part of going to Ohio State is what came after graduation.”
 

Munthe has happily given her time to serve Ohio State as a volunteer, a role that has benefited alumni and students for years. Munthe’s roles include founding and leading alumni clubs in the Greater Kansas City area and Orange County, CA; mentoring Ohio State students; endowing two scholarships for graduate students; and helping to establish and lead the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Society.

“I have known Susan for over 20 years and have been continually impressed with her principle-centered, action-oriented approach to leadership, volunteer service, and student advocacy. Susan embodies the best ideals of Ohio State where we seek citizen scholars.”

Kathy Bickel ’87 ’93 MLHR, Former Vice President, The Ohio State University Alumni Association

Ever the sports fan, Munthe was especially excited when asked to co-chair the “But for Ohio State” fundraising campaign for the Alumni Association led by former Alumni Association president Archie Griffin, a football star who attended school the same time as Munthe.

“Would you turn down an opportunity to work with Archie Griffin?” Munthe asks. “I think not. When you spend time with Archie, you truly understand what it means to pay it forward.”

Most recently, she initiated and co-created an Advancement Handbook for Ohio State volunteers. “I have always emphasized training, support and encouragement for new volunteers. I want them to know the path does not need to be taken alone; that there is a lot of help if they are willing to accept it.”

Munthe served Ohio State despite busy careers with the Federal Reserve System and international travel planning. She uses her career and life experience to benefit the students she mentors by Zoom from her home in California and to support other alumni and friends through clubs, societies and special projects.

“I am so grateful for the friendships I have developed, and I am so honored to have been able to volunteer for so many years,” she says.