10/09/2026
This week we are highlighting longtime Rotarian Susan Mozena, whose lifelong love of learning about other cultures has grown into a passion for international exchange and building lasting friendships.
Susan’s interest in cultural exchange began with her own family history. With French ancestry, she grew up learning the language at her father’s encouragement, hoping to one day communicate with relatives in France. A memorable high school French teacher further encouraged her curiosity about other cultures, inspiring Susan to pursue an exchange experience of her own. In the summer of 1966, she traveled to southern France, where she stayed with a family in a small farming village. What began as a summer abroad became a lifelong connection between the two families, with friendships that have continued across generations.
Years later, Susan found herself on the other side of that experience as a host parent to exchange students from Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and France. Many of those relationships have lasted well beyond the students’ time in Grosse Pointe. One former student, Jérôme, even brought Susan’s American and French families together for a weeklong gathering in France, fulfilling his dream of seeing the families who had become so important to him reunited. These experiences reinforced for Susan how international exchange can create connections that last a lifetime.
That same spirit of curiosity and service has carried throughout Susan’s life and career. After earning degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Northwestern University, she taught history and social studies before moving into healthcare administration. She spent 12 years as a vice president at a Detroit hospital before feeling called to ministry in her late 50s. Susan earned her Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary and was ordained at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church in 2009. Today, she serves as a Parish Associate, leads two Bible studies, and volunteers as a board-certified hospital chaplain at Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital.
As a member of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe and a founding member of the Detroit AM Club, Susan continues to champion the connections that make Rotary’s international programs so meaningful. At a recent meeting, she spoke about the Foreign Exchange Program and introduced Carlotta, a 16-year-old exchange student from Savona, Italy, who enjoys musical theatre and reading. With the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary in late May, Susan’s story is a wonderful reminder of how Rotary can open doors to new experiences, friendships, and a broader understanding of the world.
Susan and her husband, John, recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. Together, they have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your experiences and reminding us that the impact of international exchange reaches far beyond a single trip or school year. Through lasting friendships and a willingness to welcome others, we can build connections that span generations and cultures.
Picture: Sherrie Jones (left), Susan Mozena (right)
