During the White Key Executive Council Parent Organization spring meeting held on May 9 in the Burgin Center for the Arts, Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27 presented Kathleen and Dr. William “Bill” Su ’88, P ’23, ’25 with the James Hasson Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their years of exceptional volunteer leadership and unwavering dedication to Mercersburg Academy.

Established to honor individuals who have demonstrated sustained, outstanding service to the school, the James Hasson Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors a Mercersburg volunteer can receive.

“We are so fortunate to have had the chance to partner with you both. You have been incredible for Mercersburg—always present, always impactful. Personally, and for all of us here, the dedication you’ve shown to the school and to our students has made a profound difference. This award is just a small token of our appreciation, but I hope you know that our gratitude goes far beyond this moment and will extend for years to come,” said Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27.

The Sus joined White Key in 2019 and most recently served as co-chairs from 2022 to 2024. Kathleen is a current member of the White Key Engagement Committee, while Bill has served on the White Key Giving Committee since 2021. 

Beyond their roles with White Key, the Sus have contributed to Mercersburg in numerous other ways. Dr. Bill Su is an ex-officio member of the Board of Regents, where he has served on several committees, including Risk and Audit, Reach and Reputation, and Strategic Planning and Programs. Kathleen has supported the Office of Admissions as a parent caller and open house volunteer, and also shared her time as a volunteer tennis coach during the 2024–2025 academic year.

Reflecting on their experiences and deep connection to Mercersburg, Kathleen shared the following after receiving the award:

“We are so grateful to be able to give back to a place that has given our family so much and honored to receive the Hasson Service Award. It’s been such a pleasure to be able to really spend time with the students, faculty, and staff at Mercersburg, and to experience the community that makes it so special. We are proud to be part of the Long Blue Line!”

The Sus are proud parents of Isabel ’23 and Oscar ’25, and their commitment to the Mercersburg community has left a lasting impact.

In addition to the Sus, McDowell also recognized parents whose service to White Key will conclude with their children’s graduation, including: Philippe and Melissa d’Arabian P ’24, ’25, ’25, Everett and Janet Eissenstat P ’25, Ed and Niki Friedman P ’25, Mitesh and Erin Kothari P ’20, ’25,  John and Ann Lewis P ’20, ’21, ’25, and Andrew ’84 and Lisa McCabe P ’25.

The James Hasson Distinguished Service Award was created to honor Hasson and those parent volunteers who emulate his outstanding commitment to Mercersburg. Jim began volunteering for Mercersburg in 1994 when his daughter, Julie ’98, enrolled as a first-year student, and continued while his daughter, Jill ’00, was a student. Even after both daughters’ graduations, at a time when many Mercersburg parents allow their support to ebb, Jim continued to support Mercersburg by dedicating his time in volunteer hours, attending school sporting events, and supporting the school financially. He passed away in 2009.