Suffolk University Retired Friends (SURF)

SURF was inaugurated in summer 2018, through the efforts of Dean of Students Emerita Nancy Stoll and President Marisa Kelly. Under the leadership of a steering committee, SURF has taken flight.

Statement of Purpose

Suffolk University Retired Friends (SURF) is created to encourage and sustain ongoing interest in, and engagement with, the University and each other.

The following are its principal purposes:

  • To provide a link between retired employees, the University and the greater University community
  • To make appropriate University resources available to retired employees so they can continue to be engaged in the life of the Suffolk community
  • To provide the opportunity for social interaction among retired employees and to provide access to campus events
  • To encourage and provide opportunities for retired employees to donate their time and resources to appropriate University activities
  • To support and represent the University to the larger external community

All retired employees are considered part of SURF and have access to any of the programs and services offered. Current activities of SURF include:

  • Publishing a directory of retirees
  • Holding a President’s reception in May and a Founder’s Day lunch in the Fall
  • Allowing retirees to get a Suffolk University e-mail address (those with emeritus/emerita status keep their e-mail addresses after retirement)
  • The hosting of one or more content programs offered via Zoom and provided for the benefit of those retirees who cannot attend events on campus. These programs are typically panel presentations on a current higher education topic.
  • In collaboration with Human Resources, offering information about resources that can support a positive transition to retirement.

Retirees are also invited to receive a Suffolk Retiree ID, are included in campus communications such as Inside Suffolk, and will receive invitations to appropriate campus events such as Ford Hall Forum, Suffolk Weekend, and the Heritage Medallion Ceremony.

Retiree Directory

The Directory lists all retirees who have agreed to share their contact information. In addition to addresses and telephone numbers it includes department and years of employment. For the purposes of the Directory, a retiree is someone who worked at Suffolk for at least five years and left employment after age 62.

The directory is typically updated every summer. To list contact information in the directory or to report changes in contact information, email Sophie Phung.

Suffolk University e-Mail Address & ID

If you are a retiree who wishes to have a Suffolk e-mail address or if you would like to have a Suffolk retiree ID, please contact Human Resources for an e-mail address and Suffolk Police in Sargent Hall for a retiree ID.

SURF Committee Members

(as of 2024)

John C. Berg, Government
Linda S. Bruenjes, MS ’83, Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence
John C. Deliso, JD '72, Law School Dean’s Office
Robert D. (Bob) DiGuardia, BSJ ’82, MSB ’88, ITS and ISOM
Vicki Karns, Communication & Journalism
Myra Lerman, Sawyer Business School Dean’s Office
Frederick J. (Fred) Marchant, English
Anthony G. (Tony) Merzlak, English
James E. (Jim) Nelson, Athletics
Christine A. (Chris) Perry, BSJ ’75, MED ’78, Financial Aid
Marilyn Plotkins, Theater
Patricia A. Reeve, History
Gerald I. Richman, English
C. Richard (Rich) Torrisi, Sawyer Business School Dean’s Office

Nancy C. Stoll, Student Affairs, Convener
For general questions, please contact Denise Pinney or Nancy Stoll.