Donor Spotlight: Suzette and Greg Doepke

College of Education Donor Support Spotlight

Suzette and Greg Doepke

New Education Building Room name:

Suzette and Greg Doepke Family Instructional Early Childhood Education Laboratory

Named after:

Suzette and Greg Doepke 

Their Story:

Suzette graduated from the Auburn University College of Education in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and in 1989 with a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Richmond. She taught Kindergarten for 22 years in Virginia and served on the College of Education National Alumni Council from 2012-2020, serving as the chair of the External Relations Committee. Greg graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1971 and received his master’s degree in Business (Finance) from Virginia Commonwealth University. After five years of service in the U.S. Army, Greg embarked on a diverse career journey. He first served as a lead control systems engineer at E.I. Dupont, then transitioned into a successful career as a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, and Founder of Aspire to Give Academy. He served on the Executive Committee of the Women’s Philanthropy Board and served as the Inaugural Philanthropist in Residence for the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies from 2019-2022. 

The Doepkes feel strongly that education opens the door to the future and that Early Childhood Education is vital to success in the classroom and beyond. They established the Suzette and Greg Doepke Family Endowed Scholarship for students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, and they know that the teaching profession is vital to creating a world with hope, kindness, and acceptance of individuality and innovations, and they encourage their two children and seven grandchildren to be lifelong learners. 

Endowment Scholarship:

The Doepkes also established the Suzette and Greg Doepke Family Endowed Scholarship. Suzette taught kindergarten for 22 years in Virginia and while embracing the role of being their first teacher, she always instilled a love of learning in her students. 

Through this scholarship, Suzette and Greg share with their families the importance of teaching, education and serving others. As they have personally experienced, they strongly believe that over a teaching career, caring, encouraging teachers will be the key component to the future academic and life success of their students. They hope this scholarship inspires and enables Auburn University students in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education so that they, too, can inspire and guide future generations to pursue their dreams with a love of life-long learning.

The room's area of focus: To provide a hands-on learning environment for future teachers in early childhood and elementary education. 

Q&As:

Why did you decide to name a room in the College of Education’s new building?

We have always chosen to support the College of Education because of the importance we place on the value of education in our world. It is the key to leading a productive, successful life. Ask anyone if there was a teacher who was pivotal in their life and their eyes light up as they say, “Yes!” One of the most important roles of a university is to educate the teachers of tomorrow. 

What excites you most about the College of Education’s new building?

We are so excited that the College of Education will have its own building. This shows Auburn University’s support for the college and gives it much greater credibility in the educational community. It is sure to draw prospective students to Auburn!

There’s so much to love about Auburn and its College of Education. What do you love the most?

Auburn has always been very special to our family. Suzette as well as our two daughters chose to come to Auburn from out of state not knowing anyone. Auburn gave us friends for a lifetime and a wonderful education. Since moving to Auburn 16 years ago, we have enjoyed being involved with the College of Education and getting to know some of the staff and students. We always come away from any encounter feeling hopeful and excited. 

What do you hope future generations will know about you and your family and the importance of the room that bears your family’s namesake?

We are very excited that our room is the Instructional Early Childhood Education Laboratory. For 22 years, Suzette taught Kindergarten in Chesterfield County Public Schools in Midlothian, Virginia. She loved being that first teacher to instill a love of learning to her students. We are blessed with seven grandchildren who are now in high school and college and navigating school successfully. We believe education is crucial in opening up minds to new ideas and possibilities. Education gives us hope for the future. Lifelong learning is essential. The College of Education will provide so much to so many!