By CHRIS SURPRENANT
Arts Editor
Susan “Soozey” Walensky, 21, of Gloversville, NY, is a woman with varied interests. She might be seen staging her own flash mob in the dining hall, or she will be working tirelessly in CCIM on one of her many projects. Walensky is graduating with a degree in Communications with a concentration in film and new media.
Her work is prevalent around campus. Originally wanting to be a graphic designer in high school, her passion carried through into college as more than just the average extra-curricular. In her four years at The College of Saint Rose, Walensky has designed posters and promotions for over twenty clubs. While that is certainly a lot of time to devote to one interest, for Walensky, it’s worth it, “I love doing creative things.”
Walensky’s interests span beyond print media. She has collaborated with her longtime friend and Saint Rose alum, John MacDonald, on his web series Rules of Runford, as well his musical production Mean Girls: The Musical, and various music videos.
“My favorite aspect of these projects is working with friends. They know my work and they respect it,” Walensky said.
Her work has recognized in other areas as well. In spring of 2012, Walensky won the award for Best Fiction Film at 15 Minutes Max, the Saint Rose video festival. The short film, “Three Amigos,” was recognized for its creativity, comedic tone, and editing.
Walensky isn’t always behind the camera though. When she’s not making or editing videos, she’s out living life.
“My favorite times were when I stepped out of my comfort zone,” Walensky said.
She points to when she performed as Bethany Byrd in MacDonald’s Mean Girls, as well as her most recent endeavor as a late-night entertainer at this year’s Relay for Life where she led a dance-off.
“I’m a socialite,” Walensky joked. If she’s not making people laugh, Walensky can be found working diligently around campus. Whether she is in the Office of Student Affairs or being an Orientation Assistant for parents, Walensky is always keeping busy. This past semester, Walensky completed an internship at the Palace Theater where she would sometimes stick around after work to help out with upcoming shows just for fun.
Her dedication does not go unnoticed. Allie Willer, a close friend of Walensky, said, “The great thing about being friends with Soozey is that you can joke around and laugh, but at the end of the day you know that if you have a serious problem she’ll be there for you. As funny and goofy as she is, Soozey will drop everything to help a friend and expects nothing in return.”
Part of that drive to succeed comes from her time at the College. In terms of education, Walensky believes that Saint Rose has given her a strong sense of community.
“Everyone says it because it’s so true. They really get to know you and there’s nothing better than that when you’re trying to learn.”
Learning though, is not limited to Albany, NY. As a sophomore, Walensky seized the opportunity to study abroad in Galway, Ireland in spring of 2011.
“That was phenomenal. I can’t tell you how important I feel it is for people to travel when they’re young. If I had the money, I would never stop travelling,” Walensky said.
Upon her return, Walensky still doesn’t stop moving. When she has free time, she’ll visit the occasional thrift shop.
“I’m like Mackelmore,” she joked.
Sometimes she just needs to get off campus. When the weather is nice, she and her friend Kate Maher will often take walks through Washington Park or the suburbs of Albany. For Walensky, the walks remind her of home.
These moments she spends with her friends are the most important to Walensky. MacDonald said of his friend, “Most people know Susan Kelly for her outgoing personality, unique sense of humor and loud laugh. However for those who get to know her better, they’ll see just how honest, dedicated and loyal of a friend she is. Regardless of the situation, she is always willing to help out in whatever way she can. More importantly, she’ll almost always gasp or jump if you casually whisper ‘boo.’”
It is this type of close bond that Walensky will always remember once she leaves Saint Rose. “I feel like I really learned the importance of friends. Having a support system is really important. I remember friends more than grades, and that’s what’s most important in life, and I feel like a lot of people forget that.”
