Accelerate Faculty

Sometimes pursuing a degree can seem out of reach, especially when you have a full-time job, but Susan Berna ’93 found the right fit at Alverno. Despite a lack of understanding and support from her parents, Berna persisted, moving back home and working two jobs in order to pay her tuition. Her focus on her goals paid off. After graduating with a degree in communications, she now works as an account executive and marketing consultant for OnMilwaukee.com. Her job allows her to work with businesses to help them achieve their goals while putting the 8 Abilities to good use.

A lot of young people are questioning whether they should even go to college. What made you decide to pursue your degree?

“I was an older student at the age of 24 when I started attending Alverno College. I could not be promoted at my current employer, nor was I able to apply for a number of other positions outside of my employer without a 4-year degree. I knew that I enjoyed written and verbal communication and wanted to learn to become an effective communicator in a business realm. Alverno College had a wonderful reputation.”

How did you decide upon Alverno?

“At the time, Alverno offered weekend college. It was the only way I could attend school and pursue my dream of an education. I had to work a full-time job and a part-time retail job to afford to pay my bills and attend college. My cousin worked for AT&T at the time and had a number of colleagues who were attending or had graduated from Alverno's weekend program. I spoke with a few of her coworkers about their experiences and I was elated to find a program that would work for me as well!”

Why do you think it’s important for women to get an education?

“Women need to control their own lives as much as possible. We need to claim our power and not allow others to dictate our decisions and our lives. We should determine our own paths.”

Who were you when you first arrived at Alverno, and who are you now?

“I was very self-conscious and easily intimidated. I felt that I was never good, or right or had much value. My experience at Alverno allowed me to see the skills and attributes that I had within me and the ability to develop these capabilities even further. I gained confidence as well as compassion for others.”

Is there any advice you would give to a young person trying to decide whether college is worth it?

“Alverno College taught me how to learn. I also developed a thirst for continuing education and development of skills professionally as well as in my personal life. Alverno made me a better colleague, a better daughter, a better friend and a better citizen.”