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A Broadway Diva

Susan Jones loves music and productions

Susan Jones poses in front of the Brooklyn Bridge during a trip to New York City. She loves spending time in New York, especially to see Broadway performances. Photo courtesy of Susan Jones.
Susan Jones poses in front of the Brooklyn Bridge during a trip to New York City. She loves spending time in New York, especially to see Broadway performances. Photo courtesy of Susan Jones.
Interviewed by Bryan Roth

Name: Susan JonesPosition: Administrative assistant, Provost OfficeYears at Duke: 30

What I do at Duke: I work as an administrative assistant in the Provost's office. I am the "out-front" person in the office and enjoy meeting and greeting visitors, as I'm a "people person." I'm also the assistant to the vice provost for academic affairs. My duties are varied, but my favorite role is planning special events for our office. I enjoy a good party and love planning them.

If I had $5 million, I would: First help out friends with a gift of money to make their life easier, then I'd take my son to Europe. I lived in Europe for several years because my father was in the military, and I'd like to take my son to Heidelberg, Germany, where I graduated high school. I'd also want to take him to see Claude Monet's garden in France - it's been a dream of mine to visit the gardens where he painted. I'd want to also donate money for Vietnam veterans because there are many out there who have a hard time.

My first ever job: I worked a summer job at the Boy Scouts of America headquarters in Europe, which was in Heidelberg, Germany. I did clerk jobs - some typing and copying.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: Something to do with music. I love any kind, especially opera. I have season tickets for Broadway shows at DPAC. If you get me talking about music, I can't stop.

The best advice I ever received: My mother was a very well balanced person and I remember that if I was worried about something, she would tell me not to take life too seriously and to enjoy life. I try to live by that. I say to people all the time, "life isn't a dress rehearsal.".

What I love about Duke: After working here for 30 years, I feel like my family works here. My dearest friends are here at Duke. That's the best.

If I could have one superpower, it would be: To cure cancer. So many people I've known and loved have died because of it. My mother died of ovarian cancer. It's something I want to go away.

Something most people don't know about me: I was born in Sendai, Japan at an Army hospital in 1948.

Music I like: I have a true love for Luciano Pavarotti. One of the highlights of my life was when I went to New York City and saw him perform in an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House. I used to play his music constantly in my home, I'm sure I drove my neighbors crazy. He sang with such passion. To me, opera is soul music, and he epitomized opera.