F&M Stories
Susan Eckert, 2026 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
Susan Eckert. Image Credit: The Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund
Susan Eckert, a Lancaster philanthropist and civic leader, will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Franklin & Marshall’s 239th Commencement.
Eckert has helped shape Lancaster into a stronger, more connected community through her many decades of service, both professionally and as a committed volunteer. From her work with the YWCA and United Way of Lancaster County to her ongoing leadership with the Eckert Group and the Family Medicine Education Consortium, her leadership has touched nearly every corner of professional and civic life.
Early in her career, Eckert was the executive director of the YWCA of Lancaster. Before that she served as associate director of admissions for Vassar College and Smith College, and as a special-education teacher in Massachusetts. Many Lancaster County residents admire her for her 25-year career as a vocal and active advocate for the needs of Lancaster County families as the head of the United Way of Lancaster County.
Under Eckert’s leadership, the United Way initiated Donor Choice, which allowed the organization to honor its donors’ desires to have control over their gifts; introduced the Annual Day of Caring, bringing together more than 350 volunteers to work on projects that benefited United Way agencies and the people they serve; and began “Super Saturday,” a daylong effort when volunteers meet with agency representatives, brainstorming ideas about how to best allocate funds to meet pressing needs.
Eckert earned her bachelor's degree in history from William Smith College and her master's degree in education from Boston College. In addition to her other community work, Eckert is a member of the advisory board for the Eckert Art Gallery at Millersville University. She and her husband annually sponsor an art exhibit and the student intern for the gallery, and established an endowed scholarship for a nontraditional student in honor of Susan’s mother, Dorothy Connolly.
Susan Eckert is married to Jerry, and they have two adult sons.
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