Susan Faessel, a resident of Anaheim since 1960, is an alumnae who serves as a shining example to today’s Colonists of a citizen who gives back to her community. Susan has worked with numerous service organizations, especially those helping spread literacy and improving library services for Anaheim citizens.
In 2002, Faessel was appointed to the Anaheim Library Board, serving as its chair for six of the seven years. Concurrently she served on the Santiago Library System Board as a representative for Anaheim. She’s past president of the State of California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners. During that time, Susan was involved in the planning and execution of a number of Anaheim Library capital projects.
Faessel also worked to establish relationships between various Anaheim City Departments that resulted in enhance Library facilities and operations, such as the final funding component of Anaheim’s second Bookmobile. She also belongs to Friends of Anaheim Library.
A graduate of CSU Fullerton, Susan received her Master’s in Educational Technology from Azusa Pacific University in 2001. She retired in 2009 from her 34 year career with the Orange Unified School District as a Speech Pathologist. In July 2011, Susan was appointed to the Anaheim Public Utilities Board and currently serves as its vice president.
Susan continues serving on boards and commissions for the City of Anaheim, including the Anaheim Historical Society, Mother Colony Household and Anaheim Museum. She is a founding member of Anaheim’s MuZeo Cultural Arts and History Center.
She is also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim, serving as the club’s president for two terms. The club has honored her with its Rookie of the Year and the Kiwanis Formula Award.
In addition, Susan is a member of Anaheim Ebell Club and Anaheim Beautiful. Along with her husband, Stephen, Susan supports Anaheim Fall Festival, Flag Day, Paint Your Heart Out and Anaheim Beautiful programs such as Green Ribbon Week, Neighborhood Clean Up, Memorial Tree and Holiday Lights Tour.
Faessel also participates on the Anaheim Redevelopment Downtown Design Task Force, the oversight committee of the Anaheim Redevelopment Agency. She was involved in planning Founders’ Park. In June 2009, she served for two years on the Anaheim Community Service Board that studies and makes Federal Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations to the City Council for various Anaheim not-for-profit social services programs.
She was honored to have her name placed at the Canyon Power Plant and at the Anaheim Water Recycling Demonstration Facility. She was also honored by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division with its Annie Accolade Award. For her tireless service to the Anaheim Community, Susan and her husband are being honored as the 2016 Cypress College Foundation American Citizens of the Year.
