Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Hong Kong International School HKIS
College: Syracuse University Syracuse, NY and North Central College Naperville, IL
Other Journalism Experience: WJFW-TV Rhinelander, WI WICD-TV Champaign, IL WSAW-TV Wausau, WI
Started at News 3 Now on: April 1995
What is your favorite part about living in Madison?
I love that all four seasons, there is something incredible to look forward to here. The Farmer’s Market, Badger Saturdays at Camp Randall, candle light cross country skiing and the lakes. The view of the Capitol from John Nolen Dr. still takes my breath away.
What is the biggest news story that you’ve covered?
Local reaction to 9/11, two Rose Bowls in Pasadena, the protests at the State Capitol, the 2012 Vice Presidential Debate in Danville, KY and election night in Boston. But, the stories I’ll never forget are the ones that got the least attention. I love stories of personal courage, exceptional generosity and triumph over adversity. There’s a lot of that here.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m “trying” to become a runner and a gardener. Any spare time I have is running my son somewhere!
What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
Vanilla with hot fudge
What is your favorite place to vacation?
Anywhere! I love visiting Charleston, SC where my parents live and anywhere there are mountains. Vail, CO and Glacier National Park are two of my favorite places on earth.
Who is your hero and why?
My parents. They’ve been married over 50 years. My dad is the only person I know who has scratched everything off his bucket list. He’s traveled the world, trained with the Navy SEALS, participated in President John F. Kennedy’s funeral, sailed across every ocean and raised two kids. My mom is the rock of our family who always believed my brother and I could do anything.
What was your favorite band when you were in high school?
I graduated from high school in the 80’s. I still love any and all music from that era.
What is your favorite sport to play or watch?
I love to ski both downhill and cross country. I play golf (poorly, but I love it) and tennis. As for watching, I’m one of those gals who can watch NFL football and the Masters all day.
If you could possess one superhuman power, what would it be?
The ability to cure cancer.
What are you really bad at that you’d love to be great at?
Singing. My high school choir director actually said to me, “Susan, you can mouth the words during the concert.” A true story!
What is your most memorable travel experience?
Moving to Hong Kong when I was in 8th grade. I was 14 and living in suburban Chicago. My dad came home and said, “kids, we’re moving to China.” We had just spent the previous three years in Geneva, Switzerland. It was very hard at first, but I grew to love it and now looking back, I realize what an amazing experience it was. Also, hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out. It took 5 magnificent days.