Susan and Don Young Leave a Legacy Gift with a Bequest to Support Student-Athletes

After 42 years of marriage, two successful careers, and looking to give back to their community, Susan and Don chose to donate to Dominican University because of the connections to their own life experiences: golf, student- athletes, and education.

Susan grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, one of eight children and the first in her family to graduate with a four-year degree. She played high school golf and ranked #11 in the state of Iowa her senior year. Susan attended the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy, as only one of seven women in a class of 125. After graduation she worked as a sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry and again was only one of three women in the ranks of 123 salespeople. After a thriving career in healthcare, Susan followed her love of golf and began a new career as a golf professional with the desire to teach women how to enjoy this great sport. This sparked a passion in Susan to encourage women to educate themselves, follow their dreams, and believe anything was possible. Susan had the pleasure of being the assistant women’s golf coach at Dominican from 2015 to 2017.

Don grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, and was recruited by Iowa State University with a scholarship in gymnastics. He was a 4.0 student-athlete and a two-time NCAA champion. Don knows what it takes to be a student-athlete with outstanding academics. In his business career as a real estate developer, Don has often hired student-athletes because he realizes their dedication for achievement. In retirement, Don and Susan enjoy playing golf together often.

As longtime donors to Dominican, the Youngs have chosen to include them in their estate plan.

“It was an easy decision to give back to our community through Dominican University. We appreciate the school’s support of first-generation students, student-athletes, and quality education. We feel as though we are contributing to something special. Our hope is to bring young minds to their fullest development and creativity so they will be productive contributors to society.”