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Suzan (Owen) Jenkins '70: 2023 Alumni of the Year

  • Alumni of the Year
  • Class of 1970-1979
Suzan (Owen) Jenkins '70: 2023 Alumni of the Year

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Suzan (Owen) Jenkins graduated from Fort Worth Christian in 1970 and continues her selfless service to God’s Kingdom to this very day, serving as a Partnership Engagement Specialist for Allies in Youth Development. Focusing our attention this year on members of the classes of 1960-1979 who have been involved in the ministry of Jesus, it was a unanimous decision to select Suzan as this year’s recipient of the Alumni of the Year award.

 

 

DECADES OF SERVICE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Born and raised in Fort Worth and a graduate of TCU, Suzan served on staff during two different stints at Fort Worth Christian covering almost two decades. Before her recent time at FWC, Suzan spent eight years as the Director of Public Relations and School Development at Mount Dora Christian School in Florida. 

In making the announcement, Kent Means, Co-Interim Head of School, connected her selection with the vision of our school. “When we talk about empowering our graduates to live a life of faith, service, and leadership for Christ, we recognize Suzan embodies so well the heart of all our alumni who serve the Lord.” Means has had the unique opportunity of working with Suzan at both Fort Worth Christian as well as at Mount Dora Christian Academy. “I have known Suzan for twenty years and her passion for ministry and sharing the gospel is a great example for us all. Anyone who knows her will certainly agree with how deserving she is of this honor.”

Over the almost 20 years of service to her alma mater, Suzan has served in multiple essential roles. For two years, Suzan was the Cardinal Cheer Coach. She also served five years as Director of Special Events. Notably, in addition to months and months of planning for our annual Grandparents Day celebration every November, under Suzan’s leadership, the annual FWC auction has grown and taken its place of prominence as the premier fundraising event for parents and friends of FWC.

Suzan has served as FWC’s Director of Development for 13 of those 19 years. She led fundraising for the “Taking Shape” campaign which developed the Administration Building and the Chapel and Performing Arts Center as well as made renovations to the high school. Her development role was also key in many other campaigns around the Mitchell building and the Campus Center which still not only serves as the place where students fellowship daily over lunch, but also plays host to many parent and staff meetings. While Suzan’s God-given relationship-building skills have impacted our physical plant and the beautification and renovation of our campus, her FWC staff friends will point to many more things to describe Suzan’s legacy at Fort Worth Christian. 

Kelly Cantrell, current Director of College Counseling and who has served at FWC during all two decades of Suzan’s service, has witnessed Suzan’s impact up-close, working side-by-side in administrative roles. “When I think of Suzan Jenkins, I think of a humble prayer warrior. She is such a great champion for all things Fort Worth Christian.” Elizabeth Miller, Director of FWC Admissions, also notes the significance of Suzan’s heart for Jesus and the contagious joy she shares wherever she is. “Suzan is light. She shines Jesus brightly. She brings joy everywhere she goes. You always leave better after being with her. She is gifted in encouraging and blessing others.” Leanna Garcia worked alongside Suzan in the school’s Advancement department for a number of years. “Suzan loves the Lord, her family, and FWC with a passion that knows no bounds, and it is this devotion that is so endearing! She has a knack for uplifting others, providing them with the hope and strength they need to persevere through difficult times. Her words of encouragement are not mere platitudes; they are divinely inspired. She’s just the best!” 

Another friend honors Suzan for her humility, joy, and Christ-like spirit. “When I think of all the many years my family has been connected to FWC,” shares Ann (Shoemaker) Bankes ‘68, “Suzan has always been my favorite Cardinal of all time!” Suzan’s granddaughter, Jillian ‘23, was a 3rd-generation Legacy Cardinal, and Ann also has a 3rd-generation Legacy Cardinal graduating in the Class of 2024. “No one has loved, supported, and led FWC to where it is today more than Suzan. She points us all to Jesus!”

 

A SERVANT HEART FOR ORPHANS

In June 2020, Suzan joined Allies in Youth Development, a global nonprofit dedicated to rescuing orphans from a future of despair by providing them with human connection, life skills, and a pathway to education. Based in Mansfield just south of Fort Worth, Allies engages, educates, and empowers over 18,000 orphans in 39 countries, from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and several countries throughout South America and Africa. Meeting critical needs, these orphans are provided regularly with personal hygiene supplies as well as gently-used clothing. Continuing to connect with FWC, Suzan and Allies are currently partnering with our Lower School to help collect hygiene items or gently used clothing. Also, our Upper School students work in the Allies warehouse during Service Week in the spring. In the summer, Cardinal Campers collect hygiene items for “Christmas in July” gifts for the orphans.

According to Suzan, beyond these essentials, orphans are also provided with education and spiritual development. The Allies Online Tutoring Program helps orphaned teens pass rigid college entrance exams to receive college scholarships. Suzan noted the importance of this help the orphans receive. “Many countries will offer tuition payment as well as room and board for orphans to attend college. Allies helps to ensure their college readiness and enrollment which can be transformative for their lives.” 

In addition, Allies employs area leaders in each country who recruit volunteer mentors through universities and area churches to speak God’s love into the lives of these orphans. During these monthly visits, these volunteers also provide the necessary understanding of how to avoid the entrapment of human trafficking, a real threat as the orphans become older and independent. “These mentors are so important,” added Suzan. “Through the time spent together, these children learn the hope of a brighter future in Jesus Christ.

”Whether it is at FWC or Allies, Suzan is the same amazing person. Karen Yarbrough, who works alongside Suzan at Allies, acknowledges the consistency of Suzan’s impact on the workplace. "When you hear ‘pray continually’ from I Thessalonians 5, you can envision Suzan on her knees. She prays non-stop, quotes scriptures with ease, and has a beautifully personal relationship with our Lord.” Also sharing years on the FWC staff together, Karen counts Suzan as more than just a co-worker. “As a friend, I’ve never had one more loyal and forgiving. I truly love her. She selflessly loves and supports children, orphans, and anyone in need. Such a servant's heart! Her greatest desire is to see as many people in heaven as possible. And she will know nearly everyone there!"

 

A FAMILY LEGACY AT FWC

Suzan’s husband Jay ‘70 also works at Allies in Church Partnership Engagement. Suzan and Jay live in North Richland Hills and attend the NRH campus of Gateway Church. Their daughter Jayci (Jenkins) Alverson graduated with the Class of 1996 and is married to Luke Alverson who currently serves as the Vice Chair of the FWC Board of Trustees. Their daughter Jade Pierce attended FWC from PreK through 10th grade and currently lives in Loveland, Colorado and their son-in-law Tommy Watson also lives in Loveland, Colorado. Their daughter Jori Jenkins attended FWC from PreK through 8th grade and lives in North Richland Hills while their son Jett Jenkins ‘12 lives in Dallas. Jay and Suzan have four grandchildren: Jillian Alverson ‘23, Landon Alverson is a Sophomore at FWC, Harper Jenkins is in 7th grade, and Jackson Jenkins is in 3rd grade.

The family legacy goes back to the very beginning of Fort Worth Christian. Suzan’s father, Charlie Owen, joined the FWC Board of Trustees in 1963 and served 18 years. Jay started at FWC in 1st grade, the first year FWC opened in 1958, while Suzan and her siblings arrived in 1964. Jay and Suzan met in 7th grade and started dating their sophomore year in high school. Jay’s sister, Julie (Jenkins) Mayfield, graduated in 1975. Jenny (Jenkins) Freytag ‘83, Jay’s younger sister, currently serves as the Administrative Assistant for Cardinal Athletics. 

“Suzan has always given her all to Fort Worth Christian,” added Jenny. “As an employee raising money in development or as a parent and grandparent attending events, Suzan brings her special attitude and energy to everything she does. We are lucky to have her as a Cardinal!!”

Suzan’s sister, Donna (Owen) Huber, graduated in 1965 while sister Kathy (Owen) Michener graduated two years later. Her brother, Chuck, graduated in 1972.

“Since the first day FWC began in 1958, there has always been a Jenkins at FWC,” noted Suzan. “This school has truly blessed our family’s lives and we are grateful for our time attending FWC and working with the school.”

Terry Drake, Director of Alumni Relations at FWC, was overjoyed when announcing Suzan as the recipient of this distinguished annual recognition. “Suzan is a lady of honor, wisdom, and most of all, spiritual integrity. She is the perfect example of how our Cardinal alumni carry forth the mission of this school, seeking to spread the Good News of Jesus all over the world.”

“Jay and I are thankful for the Godly influence of so many wonderful teachers and have been blessed by the many lifelong friendships that began in the halls of FWC,” Suzan added. “It is always a great day to be a Cardinal and it is an honor to be chosen as the FWC Alumni of the Year for 2023.”

 

HONORING SUZAN

In addition to being honored on our Cardinal Alumni Network website and alumni social media channels, Suzan will be honored between the 1st and 2nd quarters of the Homecoming football game vs. Grapevine Faith. 

Congratulations, Suzan! 

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