05/13/2026
Suzanne Hammer (BA ’04, MA ’12) is this year’s American Red Cross Blood Services Hero ❤️
After returning to DePaul in her 50s, Suzanne earned her degrees while working full-time (60+ hour weeks), paving a path from banking into nonprofit service. With decades of experience hosting blood drives, she built a career in blood banking, connecting corporate, educational, and nonprofit communities.
Guided by her passion for helping others, Suzanne worked with a professor to align her studies and graduated with an MA with a concentration in nonprofit management. Her journey shows how DePaul SCPS supports learners at every stage of life.
Even in retirement, she continues to give back—volunteering at Advocate Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, organizing drives and creating a welcoming experience for donors (often with homemade cookies!).
Honored for a lifetime of service, she reminds us: every blood donor is a hero. 💙