Jane Shearer was an associate dean on the Eastern Campus and president of the Guild at the time of her passing. (all photos this page by Victoria Pendzick)

The following is a tribute to Jane Shearer provided by the Guild of Administrative Officers, for which Jane served as president at the time of her passing. The FA is honored to share this tribute as Jane was a friend in labor and a friend to so many of our faculty.

In October we lost an icon at Suffolk County Community College. Everyone knew Jane Shearer because Jane knew everyone. With her trademark curly blond hair, generous spirit, bubbling energy and heartwarming laughter, she was an indefatigable soul who truly touched students, colleagues and anyone around her. She loved life and especially Suffolk. She was proudly the president of the Guild of Administrative Officers and enthusiastically embraced every opportunity to create a better, more rewarding environment for Guild members and everyone at our college. We convey our deepest sympathies to her family, including her husband Doug and son Bryce and we will continue to remember her in our hearts and honor her though our future deeds and actions.

Jane and Eddie Martinez, associate dean of student affairs at Ammerman.

“Anyone who knew Jane well would know that she was a woman of great faith. When Jane’s day at Suffolk came to a close, the second half of her day would begin at Sts. Peter & Paul Church where one would often find her in the evenings.  The presence of Jane Shearer was not contained simply in an office or a classroom or the Baker’s Workshop; the presence of Jane Shearer filled a church, as it filled the campus. My conversations with Jane sometimes dealt with our shared work here, but, more often than not, also involved our lives, our families, and our beliefs. When I looked at Jane with her brightly colored clothes and past her curly blonde hair and into her eyes, I was reminded of St. Augustine, an ancient Christian theologian, who asked, ‘What does love look like?’ I believe that love looks like Jane Shearer who reminded us to look at all students and every person and animate within them the realization that each one is profoundly respected and absolutely lovable. On October 6 in the emergency room of Peconic Bay Hospital, I looked into Jane’s eyes for the last time and knew with absolute certainty what love looks like.” ~ Dr. Paul Beaudin, Vice President for Academic Affairs

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“Jane was a person of great energy and passion; when she entered the room, the room got brighter and everyone knew it! She loved our college, served on all three campuses and was a Guild leader for many years. She was master of ceremonies at every Guild function while I was president, as she knew every person in the room. I will miss my friend but she will live on in our hearts.” ~ Tom Breeden, Former Guild of Administrative Officers President

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“In thinking about Jane, I am reminded how important it is to let people know just how much you appreciate them or care for them. Jane was a friend first and I always knew how much she cared about me. I open my desk and see little notes she scribbled to me or look in desk drawers and see one of the many little bottles of lotions or trinkets she has given me over the years. She is everywhere I look and has imprinted her love and affection in my life through all she said and did. Not just me, she did this for so many, including our students. Because of that, she will live on through all of us.” ~ Dr. Jennifer Browne, College Associate Dean for Curriculum Development

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	Jane with Drew Fawcett, associate dean for institutional advancement, and Pina Britton, assistant dean of academic affairs at Eastern.

“When I first got to the college and was trying to find my footing, it was Jane who appeared to say she’d ‘show me the ropes.’ That was Jane. She told you how things were. I especially enjoyed watching her in a room full of people. Her infectious laugh. Her big spirit. The way she connected with everyone, individually.

I’m lucky in a way… her last text to me ended with her saying “I love you.” Jane, my friend, I’ll miss you... and right back at ya.” ~ Drew Fawcett, College Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement

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“When I received the dreadful call that Sunday afternoon that Jane had passed, I immediately had two images of my friend. First was of Jane's larger than life personality. The energy, compassion, empathy and true concern for members of her Suffolk family transformed the institution. She would never forget someone’s birthday, never miss the opportunity to thank or congratulate a peer and always gave small gifts to everyone she met to ensure they felt special. Jane put everyone first. 

My second recollection about Dean Shearer is how I thought of her an ‘educational evangelizer.’ Anyone who had a meal out with Jane would witness her saying to the waitress or busboy... “Hi, I am Dean Shearer from Suffolk, have you finished school?" The ensuing conversation would end with, “Here is my card, come see me.” Jane meant this genuinely. She knew the power of education and wanted everyone to experience it. I often thought what an absolutely beautiful thing it is to reach out to strangers along our journey to help them to reach their full potential.

My life is better having gotten the opportunity to spend time walking along the path with Jane. May her spirit fill the hallways at Suffolk for years to come.” ~ Dr. James Keane, Executive Dean/Campus CEO, Michael J. Grant Campus

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“Jane’s sudden passing has impacted all of us, both personally and professionally. Having worked closely with Jane the better part of my career at Suffolk, she has left me with the most fond memories that are with me every day. She was a generous and thoughtful friend that never forgot a birthday wish or holiday greeting. From the time when my two little boys one day escaped from my office and barged into Jane’s next door (for a snack they knew they would get from her) to, most recently, the time we spent together engaged in college and Guild business, Jane will forever be my friend and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience her in my life. She leaves me with great memories of her everlasting smile.” ~ Ted Koukounas, Academic Chair/Professor of Mathematics, Eastern Campus

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“Everyone who knew Jane was touched by her effervescent spirit. Jane’s entry lit up any room. She was, in essence, a one woman cheerleading squad. For reasons unknown to me, Jane took me under her wing shortly after I arrived at Suffolk. Only now, in retrospect, can I appreciate her full impact. Jane’s earliest efforts focused on introducing me to everyone she could. She made sure that even the college president (then Shirley Pippins) knew who I was in my first year at the college! Next, Jane began suggesting new opportunities. Some were new roles (the Guild executive committee for example), presentations or conferences (we attended many together, often sharing rides and laughs along the way). Her usual inducement: ‘Come on, we’re all going!’ I often found myself uneasy—not feeling quite ready for the challenge.

But invariably Jane stood at the sidelines cheering until I found my footing, and off I went to the next level. I will always cherish the memories of Jane’s warmth, unwavering support and generosity in pushing me to be all that I could be. I will miss her frequent phone calls which always opened with ‘Hey Lynnie-girl...’  No one else ever called me that.” ~ Dr. Lynn Liebert Marx, Academic Chair for Psychology/Social Sciences, Michael J. Grant Campus

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Dee Fabian, chair of commerce and health careers at Eastern, with Jane and Mary Reese, associate dean of student services at Eastern.

“My friend and colleague, Jane Shearer, was a force of energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy. At times, it felt she was everywhere, knowing all things, while also being exactly where I needed her when I needed to brainstorm or rumble about whatever issue or challenge I was facing. I’d reach out by text ‘you around?’ She always respond with ‘Yep, calling now’ or ‘Can’t talk, call later, you good?’

She was one of my dearest colleagues and what amazes me is I’m not alone in feeling that way. She was available always to all those she loved. And those who loved her knew she could be counted on to encourage, re-direct, correct, bring humor, logic and infectious laughter to the challenges, the mundane and the celebrations. She would say that her attention to the ‘important’ small details, like ensuring there were matching napkins and plates for every celebration, came from either her personal proclivity for perfection or her catering background. But I think it actually had everything to do with her desire to make others feel special. I know she made me feel that way and I’m going to miss my—our—friend for a long time.” ~ Dr. Mary Reese, Eastern Campus Associate Dean of Student Services

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“Jane Shearer was my close friend since the first day we met as assistant deans on the Eastern Campus. I always admired her quick intellect and how effective she was in solving problems. She had a real talent in dealing with people who believed they were harmed by the system. I often watched in amazement as she calmly listened to a complaint, quickly understood the root of the problem and unraveled the issue to a satisfactory conclusion.

What I loved most about Jane is that she lived with her heart on her sleeve. You always knew exactly where she stood on any issue and that she would do anything to help the students and SCCC succeed. She was also painfully loyal to her friends. When I faced family hardships, Jane was always the first person to reach out to me to check on my welfare and to offer a prayer.

Jane faced every day with a smile and laughter. Whenever I did something foolish or became upset, I could count on Jane to come to my office to lift my spirits with her big smile and infectious laugh. When I heard of her illness I called immediately to offer comfort and she answered the phone with a laugh (and I could sense the smile). That was one of the hardest phone calls I ever had, but fortunately I had the opportunity to say I love you one last time.” ~ George Tvelia, Retired Executive Dean

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“In my decade or so as FA grievance officer, I worked with Jane on many occasions. I was impressed by the manner in which she worked to resolve personnel issues. Jane often turned potential disciplinary actions into professional development opportunities for those involved. In one instance, a department was struggling to resolve the many strong and equally valid opinions from faculty and administrators about how to maintain and grow their program. Tempers were high, but Jane successfully refocused the conversation from individual employee contributions to the needs of the team, the program and the college.

In 2018 I ran for chair of my department, which would move me from FA to Guild. Deciding to run for an administrative position was very difficult. However, every time I spoke to Jane, she found a way to bring it back to the needs of my department and the college. Since joining the Guild and working very closely with Jane over this last year and a half, I have learned just how deeply she cared for all she was involved in. Whether in the Guild or with EMHP, Jane took the time to learn about each issue and never stopped fighting for her members or the college. Upon her passing, I was amazed by how many individuals and groups approached me to say that Jane was their champion, how she was always there for them and their program, and that they hoped I would be the same. In my short time in the Guild, I've seen what others experienced first hand. Jane was a great friend and leader to the very end and will be missed by many.” ~ Sean Tvelia, President, Guild of Administrative Officers; Academic Chair and Professor of Physical Sciences, Ammerman Campus

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	Jane Shearer in the Culinary Arts Center.

“Jane Shearer was the heartbeat of the Culinary Arts Center. Besides being the Baker’s Workshop’s best customer, she was our greatest cheerleader. Every day she inspired students, faculty and staff to be the best version of ourselves. Jane led by example in that way in all parts of her life. She had a big, bright personality that she generously shared with her family, her work, her church, her community and everyone that she encountered. We are all better having known her. We can honor her by living her generous spirit every day here at Suffolk.” ~ Gary Wood, Associate Professor of Culinary Arts