Established on 01.07.2019 by the Sandra Sue Riley Trust †
Sue and her husband, Daniel Patrick Riley, enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Concordia’s first pastor, Carl Lee, and his wife, Ann, which led to their long support and association with Concordia College over the course of many years.
In her own words, Sue Riley explains the creation of this scholarship.
“From the time I was born, I was surrounded by a strong family with strong personalities and histories. My grandparents, Ernest and Alice Fox, were true pioneers in eastern Montana in the early 1900’s as well as land owners later in their life in North Dakota. They were true visionaries and entrepreneurs whose lives have influenced all of my life.
It was from them that I followed, by their example, the phrase “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) They created wealth and shared that wealth with their family and their faith, and they held a strong belief in supporting education for those who came after them. In turn, my mother was a trailblazer in her own rite, graduating as one of two women from the University of North Dakota’s Law Class of 1940. I lived in the shadows of this amazing family, who, in many ways, were larger than life. I had a quieter presence, but I was free to set my own path in life. I graduated with a degree in social work at Moorhead State College (now Minnesota State University Moorhead).
I have always considered myself an introvert, in part, because of the strong family background that I came from. From this came a great love for the written word and a strong sense of introspection. I have been blessed by having wonderful mentors in my life. One such person was my husband, Dan Riley, whom I refer to as my greatest teacher. In the early years of our marriage, we lived in Hawaii, where I learned the importance of celebrating diversity, a deep sense of love for nature, and, most importantly, the true spirit of aloha, kindness, and encouragement of others. It was during this time, that I mentored a large group of neighborhood children, whom I encouraged, traveled with, and shared the importance of kindness, affirmation, and the Aloha Spirit. I consider my role in their lives one of my true accomplishments.
It was, in part, after the passing of my husband, Dan, that I was adrift for some time. But after a while, I began to hone a path of my own, no longer in the shadow of family and loved ones. I searched my soul to decide my purpose in life, which is the belief in generosity and philanthropy. I reached out to organizations who aided the ‘bookends’ in life….to people and families facing end of life issues as well as issues pertaining to young people and education. I am grateful to be a part of an extended family of friends who have become my family. My life is truly blessed. I spend my summers at my home in Grand Marais, MN, welcoming friends and family to the beautiful shores of Lake Superior, where I spent many happy days tromping through the woods and rocks with my beautiful Irish setter always at my side. I have made many friends and am active in the special community of Grand Marais.
I have always had a love for the written word, which I discovered early in life. I will always be grateful to an amazing high school English professor who taught me the beauty of writing and gave me an appreciation for reading great American novels. I can still hear her voice to this day, when I read a beautiful book or in my own written words. I have been blessed many times over in my life, through my family, my mentors, and the people that I have met. I am excited to create this scholarship and leave a legacy to Concordia College students. It is my way of giving back to make the world a more meaningful place through the expression of words and ideas.”
The Sue Riley Endowed Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid to students in their junior or senior year pursuing a degree in English or English education, with special preference to students majoring or minoring in English literature or English writing.
† - Testamentary endowments may not be contributed to until they are fully established.