DANIEL C. SUSSEN ’51

Daniel Sussen believes in “noblesse oblige” – to whom much is given, much is expected. It’s a trait he learned from his father – and it became an important part of his life.
              
After graduating from John Carroll and service in the U.S. Marine Corps as an air intelligence officer, Dan joined his father’s business, then called Sussen Rubber & Supply Co. and later Sussen, Inc., assuming leadership of the company in 1969. The business grew significantly with Dan at the helm over the next 40 years.

During his career – which included chairing the Cleveland CarQuest Distribution Center, the CarQuest National Corporation, and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association – Dan also chaired and served on the boards of about 25 companies and organizations.  As one of the original founders of Midtown-Cleveland, Dan served on the board, executive committee, and as chair of that pioneering organization. He also served on the Enterprise Zone advisory committee for the City of Cleveland.

At John Carroll, Dan has served on the Board of Directors since 1992, as well as on the President’s Forum, the Alumni Council and many other key committees. He and his family also established a scholarship for students in need, and Dan and his wife, Lois, are members of the Magis Legacy Society. He was an early and active board and committee member of the University’s Entrepreneurs Association.

“I’ve found that more often than not -- with any of these organizations -- whether I did consulting or charitable work, I received much more than I ever gave,” Dan says. As an alumnus of Gesu School, Saint Ignatius High School and John Carroll, he says he’s a product of Jesuit education.

“What always impressed me about John Carroll,” Dan adds, “was that whatever the course – English, history, sociology, or even accounting – the essence of integrity and ethics was as important as anything else being taught, and that hasn’t changed. Much of that contributed to whatever success I’ve achieved in life. I owe a great deal to John Carroll for enriching my life.”

For his past and present involvement in, and dedication to, the University, his outstanding professional leadership, and longtime service and commitment to Greater Cleveland, The John Carroll Alumni Association is pleased to award Daniel C. Sussen our 2009 Alumni Medal.