A legacy of love, learning and giving back
There’s something special about the connections made at St. Norbert College. For many of our alumni, SNC wasn’t just the start of a career — it was the start of a lifelong love story. From shared classes and campus events to chance encounters and deep friendships, the bonds formed here often last a lifetime.
For Doug ’78 and Susan (Sauvey) Hahn ’80, the story of St. Norbert College is more than a memory — it’s a foundation. It’s where they became who they were meant to be, found each other, and built a life centered on family, faith, and purpose. Their decision to include St. Norbert College in their estate plans was as natural as it was meaningful.
A St. Norbert College Beginning
Sue grew up just down the road in De Pere and attended St. Joseph Academy, now known as Notre Dame Academy. “I knew I wanted to go into education and stay close to home,” she recalls.
Doug, who grew up in Nichols, Wis., and graduated high school at just 16-years-old, came to SNC to pursue business administration. “90-percent of the growth I experienced was not in the classroom. Being in an environment where I felt cared about not just as a student, but as a person, being surrounded by individuals who want to see me succeed was truly transformational.”
Together, they remember Winter Carnivals, intramural sports, dorm life and evenings at the Irish Pub and The Abbey. “The friendships we made at St. Norbert are still strong to this day,” Doug shares.
A Chance Meeting, A Lifelong Bond
Their paths officially crossed at a
St. Norbert College alumni wedding in the summer of 1976. Seated at the same table, surrounded by mutual friends who were all SNC students, Doug and Sue ended up dancing the night away. Later that year, Sue asked Doug to her dorm’s (
Sensenbrenner Hall) dinner dance. Doug shared, “I was amazed because she was way out of my league, and I quickly said yes. We had a great time that evening, and have been a couple since then.” They got engaged in 1980 while Doug was in law school at Marquette and Sue was graduating from SNC. They married in August of 1981.
After their time at St. Norbert College, Sue taught elementary school before staying home with their three children, Nicholas, Zachary and Emily. Later, she returned to education, working at Lawrence University and now enjoys “hobby jobs,” including production roles at Xavier High School for their holiday and spring plays. Doug graduated from Marquette Law in 1981 and joined Menn Law Firm in Appleton, Wis., where he dedicated his entire career to estate planning, real estate and small business law. He officially retired in 2023 after 42 years of law practice.
A Campus That Still Feels Like Home
Doug and Sue’s connection to St. Norbert College runs deep. They married at Old St. Joseph’s Church on campus. Sue’s family ties span generations — some of her siblings, father and grandfather all attended SNC. Her mother grew up in a house that once stood at the edge of campus. “This place holds so many memories,” Sue says. Her mother was baptized in Old St. Joe's and she recalls stories her mother shared of Van Dyke Gym and playing on campus as a child.
Doug has served on St. Norbert College’s Gift Planning Advisory Council (GPAC) since its inception more than 14 years ago. “GPAC strengthens my ties to SNC even more,” he says. “It’s another way to give back and stay educated on things happening on campus.”
Today, you can see Doug and Sue actively attending
Knights on Broadway,
Knights on the Fox and
St. Norbert College athletic competitions.
A Legacy of Love
“We’ve always believed in supporting organizations that change lives — and St. Norbert did that for us,” the couple says. “I attribute a lot of our success in life to St. Norbert College. It feels good to know our gift will allow future students to have that same opportunity,” Doug shared.
The couple is proud to be part of the Anselm Keefe Legacy Society. “We didn’t expect recognition,” Doug says. “But it’s meaningful to gather with people who have made the same commitment, some alumni, others not, but all who treasure the St. Norbert College experience and want to see it continue.”
Their hope? That their legacy gift will continue to help shape generations of students, preparing them not just for careers, but for lives of purpose, compassion and success. “We believe philanthropy is part of our faith. Giving back is something we feel called to do — not just for ourselves, but for our community,” Sue reflects. “St. Norbert nurtured us to be successful and it feels good to be able to give back to a place that means so much to us, while knowing that our gift will allow a future student to experience what it means to have a St. Norbert College education.”
Sue and Doug’s story is a testament to the enduring power of St. Norbert College. Their legacy will ensure that the next generation has the same chance to grow, belong and find their own path — just as they did.
If you would like more information on the Anselm Keefe Legacy Society or how you can leave a legacy, contact Natalie Farmer at natalie.farmer@snc.edu.
