A Grand Impact

Being a teacher had always been a dream for Susie Nordenger, a goal she penciled in her college journal. So when she landed her first teaching gig in 1981 in St. Helens, Oregon, she was overjoyed. Teacher-colleagues remarked that her exuberance would wane. Little did they know, her enthusiasm and optimism would endure over four decades—and her impact would be immeasurable.  

Nordenger, then known to students as Miss Olson, joined La Jolla Country Day School in 1987 as a sixth-grade teacher, later teaching seventh-grade English and public speaking in the Upper School. In the classroom, she brought a sense of humor and levity to her teaching style—making her a beloved teacher early in her career. 

She brought humor to morning announcements in the Middle School by creating a soap opera called All My Students, where students could share their dramatized scripts based on actual Middle School events.

One of her signature projects in seventh-grade English, “My Life Story,” tasked students with writing 12 chapters detailing their future lives, culminating in a personalized book. Notably, former professional tennis player Alexandra Stevenson ’99 wrote about playing at Wimbledon in one of her chapters. “It was the Life Story project that gave me purpose in my young journey,” says Stevenson. “I noted that I saw myself winning Wimbledon. Miss Olson taught us how to visualize our life story and write it down on paper. Funny how visualization is such a strong learning tool. At Wimbledon, I made a historic record—the first woman to go from qualifying to the semifinals. At my press conference, I talked about Miss Olson and the little book I wrote in seventh grade.”

For Nordenger, teaching at LJCDS was a gift. “What I found at Country Day is that no matter what, the kids exceeded my expectations,” she says. “And the harder they worked, the harder I worked.” 

In 1997, Nordenger was appointed by Head of School John Neiswender to build a Pre-K through Grade 12 community service program. For almost two decades, she led a student-centric community service program that fostered student leadership and instilled the importance of giving back. Nordenger saw greatness in her students and impressed upon them that they have the power to make a positive impact each day.  

“She was the first person who fully saw me and my gifts,” says Sarah Belpedio ’11. “She invited me to opportunities to explore my passion for community service and step into leadership roles. I 1,000% would not be the woman I am today without her love, support and guidance during my years at Country Day and into college and beyond.”

“She is such a master at recognizing talent and making you feel known,” adds Katie Sigeti ’06. “She makes an effort to make sure the students know she values their leadership and who they are, which, for a teenager, is really impactful. She thrives on connecting students and getting them engaged with the world around them and outside the Country Day bubble.”  

Locally, she forged decades-long partnerships with San Diego organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter, SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes (S4EA), Project Concern International, Susan G. Komen San Diego, Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank. 

Globally, she established a robust service program, traveling with students to India, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Nicaragua, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya. In 2015, Project Concern International honored her with their Heroes Award in recognition of her role in fostering global citizenship among students. 

One of her most significant and consequential endeavors involved sponsoring a student in Tanzania through her connections with the School of St. Jude. Through various fundraising initiatives, LJCDS sponsored Emmanuel George’s education from fourth grade through college. Today, George is a certified public accountant. He and his wife recently had a baby girl and named her after Susie. 

It is hard to capture the ripple effect of her impact on the LJCDS community and everyone she encounters. Brian Murphy, LJCDS’ director of financial assistance and enrollment management, also Nordenger’s former student in Oregon, shares, “As one of her students in the mid-80s, I experienced the Miss Olson magic first hand. I walked into her classroom as a shy and reserved middle school boy, and by the end of the year, I walked out both inspired and determined to follow in her footsteps as a teacher. Fast forward 15 years, and she again opened the doors and advocated for me to join the Country Day community as a faculty member. I didn’t realize it then, but her advocacy at that moment changed my life forever.”

Those who know her well note her stunning memory and her ability to build relationships. “She goes out of her way to do nice things for people, to make people feel good,” says Kathy Draz Zopatti ’77, LJCDS alumna, former faculty member and Nordenger’s college roommate. “Like recognizing somebody’s birthday or a special day, recognizing if someone is having a hard time. She does it without fanfare. She does a little extra to make you feel special. She’s always got those Red Vines in her office or little things that will just brighten someone’s day.” 

“She has a way of making you feel special when she’s talking to you,” adds Will Erickson, former LJCDS English educator. “She has a unique ability to stay connected with people, build relationships and just be a ray of sunshine in whatever space she’s at. She’s a special human being.”

In 2002, Nordenger was named the Educator of the Year by the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club for her exemplary contribution to education. 

In her last chapter at LJCDS, Nordenger served in the philanthropy office deepening the impact of current and former students and families on the school. “As the assistant head of school for community engagement, Susie believes that we must open our hearts to each other to unlock our school’s greatness fully,” says Head of School Gary Krahn. “She is a master at creating a web of relationships and a sense of community in which we feel connected with each other, our traditions and the rich history of our school.” 

Nordenger’s impact on La Jolla Country Day School is incalculable. She leaves an indelible mark on the school’s culture and community. Her legacy will endure as the school continues to embody the spirit and values that she instilled. She will undoubtedly continue to spread love and positivity wherever she goes.