Always Busy, Always Committed,
Sr. Suzanne Neisser is New Director for BUSCA,
Program for Spanish-Speaking Students at La Salle

Since becoming Director of La Salle University’s BUSCA program, Sr. Suzanne Neisser not only has the pressure of meeting deadlines for 2007, but is already making plans for 2008.

BUSCA, which stands for Bilingual Undergraduate Studies for Collegiate Advancement and is the Spanish word “to search for,” is a program for Spanish-dominant students to receive a University education. Students begin with a semester-long intensive English course, and remaining courses are in English. BUSCA students earn an associate’s degree, and many go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“What brought me to La Salle was the BUSCA program. It is totally unique, and no other university offers this,” said Sr. Suzanne. As Director, Sr. Suzanne helps develop a curriculum and promotes BUSCA in schools throughout the region. She is also in charge of hiring faculty and staff for the program, and teaches two undergraduate Spanish classes.

“We would like to increase our number of undergraduates,” she said. “We hope that more high school students and adults will enroll in our program because it is an excellent opportunity to earn a college degree and to advance in life."  

“My dream would be that we could have a summer intensive week for incoming freshmen, so that they will be able to prepare for the University,” she said.

Prior to being named Director, Sr. Suzanne worked at La Salle as a Bilingual Motivational Counselor for two and a half years. “This job prepared me for my current position because it gave me a chance to get to know the students and understand what is going on in their lives,” she said.

 “I was interested in getting involved in the BUSCA program because I had a desire to serve and be an advocate for the Hispanic community. This position gave me the chance to tell students about the importance of education, and I think La Salle’s program is wonderful in providing this opportunity,” said Sr. Suzanne.

A native of Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy section, Sr. Suzanne became interested in religious life while learning from the Sisters of Mercy in high school and felt an attraction towards their way of life. "I felt God calling me to serve as a Sister of Mercy," she said.

Sister Suzanne earned a bachelor’s degree at Chestnut Hill College, and two Master’s degrees, in Spanish from Middlebury College and one in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University.

Although she is extremely busy, Sr. Suzanne finds time to learn to play the recorder. She also enjoys reading, listening to classical music, spending time with friends, and enjoying nature.

-- Theresa Sherlock