Remembering Marilyn J. Suiter: A Force for Transformation in Geoscience Education

The geoscience community lost a transformative leader with the passing of Marilyn J. Suiter in late July 2025. A celebration of her life, held both online and in-person by the National Science Foundation on August 20, 2025, brought together hundreds of colleagues whose lives and careers were touched by her extraordinary dedication to education and inclusion.

A Career Dedicated to Broadening Participation

Marilyn's professional journey spanned four decades and encompassed teaching, industry experience, and public service leadership. Her path began at Franklin & Marshall College, where she initially studied physics before switching to geosciences because she found geology's interdisciplinary nature more intellectually challenging and satisfying. This early recognition of the power of interdisciplinary thinking would become a hallmark of her approach to education and mentorship throughout her career.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Marilyn demonstrated her commitment to education by teaching science for grades 5-12 in the Philadelphia public school system from 1970-1977. This seven-year foundation in K-12 education provided her with deep insights into how students learn and develop scientific thinking that would inform her later work in higher education and workforce development.

Following her teaching years, she spent four years with the U.S. Geological Survey, primarily focused on geologic mapping work that gave her valuable field experience and technical expertise. She then completed her master's degree in Earth science at Wesleyan University in 1981, before entering the private sector to work for Cities Service Oil and Gas in exploration activities in the Hugoton Embayment during the early 1980s.

The oil price crash of the mid-1980s prompted her transition from industry to education advocacy—a career change that would prove transformative for the entire geoscience community. From 1987 to 1997, she held progressively more responsible positions within the American Geosciences Institute, including director of Special Education Programs, director of Education and Human Resources, and director of Human Resources and Career Development.

During her tenure at AGI, Marilyn led the groundbreaking Minority Participation Program, which was created to address the stark lack of ethnic diversity in the geosciences. Under her leadership, this program awarded scholarships to under-represented American geoscience students and became a model for similar initiatives across STEM fields. She also secured over one million dollars in funding for the educational program "Earth Science in the Community" and significantly increased the funding levels for AGI Minority Participation Program scholarships.

Since 1998, Marilyn served as a program director at the National Science Foundation's Division of Human Resource Development, where she became responsible for geoscience education and diversity programs. Her portfolio included serving as lead program officer for various NSF initiatives, including managing the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring and overseeing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program.

Institutional Leadership and Service

Beyond her formal positions, Marilyn's service to the geoscience community was extensive and impactful. She served on numerous committees and panels across major organizations including the Association for Women Geoscientists, the American Geosciences Institute, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Geophysical Union, the National Science Foundation, the American Institute of Physics, the Association for Women in Science, the National Science Teaching Association, the National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists, and the American Educational Research Association.

Her leadership roles included serving as chair of the Geological Society of America's Geology and Society Division and as president of the Association of Women Geoscientists in 1988. This breadth of service reflected her understanding that systemic change required coordinated efforts across multiple organizations and communities.

The Soul of NSF: A Mentor's Impact

At the Celebration of Life, Marilyn was described as "the soul of NSF," reflecting her role as both an institutional memory and a guiding force for values-driven work. Colleagues described her as a mentor who possessed an uncanny ability to see potential in people before they recognized it themselves. Her mentoring approach was described as having "an indirect way of telling you what you were going to do before you knew you were going to do it."

Marilyn encouraged people to be leaders, telling them that they would someday step into leadership roles, often years before they felt ready. Her fearless approach to advocating for both individuals and systemic change was noted as a characteristic that others could adopt during challenging times in science policy and education.

Her mentoring style combined directness with deep care. As one colleague explained, encountering Marilyn wasn't intimidating but rather like "the feeling a child has when being corrected by a wise adult." She possessed a commanding presence with unmistakable assertiveness, yet colleagues emphasized that "she didn't hold back, and she didn't sugarcoat. But her directness came from a place of deep care and conviction."

This approach extended to her work with new faculty and early-career professionals. Colleagues described how her questions made people "think harder, reach deeper, and rise to the occasion." She was consistently described as serious, thoughtful, and intentional in her interactions, with the ability to make people feel both more grounded and lifted up after spending time with her.

Building Community and Making Connections

Perhaps Marilyn's most frequently celebrated quality was her exceptional ability to connect people across disciplines, institutions, and career stages. Colleagues universally described her as "The Great Connector" who would identify individuals who needed to meet each other and facilitate those relationships. Her networking wasn't superficial relationship-building, but rather strategic community development aimed at strengthening the entire geoscience ecosystem.

At professional meetings, walking with Marilyn meant constant stops to greet the many people whose lives she had touched. Colleagues marveled at her ability to "work a room like no one" they had ever known and emphasized that this skill was always deployed in the service of bringing people together and creating opportunities for others.

Her connection-making extended beyond professional networks to include deep personal care. Colleagues noted her remarkable ability to remember details about people's families, personal challenges, and career aspirations. As one noted, "She always asked about my family, and that was the first thing she asked about upon my return. I don't know how she kept so much of our lives in her head, but she did."

This personal touch was evident in her approach to supporting early-career professionals. Multiple speakers shared stories of how Marilyn would "introduce me at meetings as her colleague" even when they saw themselves as junior participants, helping them grow into roles they hadn't yet envisioned for themselves.

Educational Philosophy and Approach

Marilyn's educational philosophy was grounded in systems thinking and long-term perspective. Colleagues described her as calm, pragmatic, and systems-oriented, with the ability to view challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt rather than as existential threats. This growth mindset was central to her approach to both individual mentoring and institutional change.

Her dedication to supporting students, early-career academics, and educators was paired with remarkable humility about her own achievements. Despite her extensive recognition and impact, she consistently deflected attention from her personal accomplishments to focus on the work itself and the people she was supporting.

One colleague noted her approach of "not pushing people" but rather "leading them by asking very good questions." This Socratic method reflected her understanding that sustainable change comes from helping people discover their own motivations and capabilities rather than imposing external direction.

Her commitment to education extended beyond formal academic settings. Stories shared at the celebration illustrated her willingness to engage with young people in informal settings, including spending time with colleagues' children to discuss science and inspire their interest in scientific careers.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice

Marilyn's work in diversity and inclusion was driven by both personal experience and systemic analysis. In her acceptance speech for the 2010 Bromery Award, she reflected that her pursuit of increased diverse participation "may have stemmed from the encouragement of my parents who always told me that I could pursue any career that I chose." She was "fortunate enough that my interest in science was always acknowledged and supported—by my family and friends, by my K-12 educators, and by various faculty and professionals along the way."

However, she recognized that "this is not to say that the path was easy for me, but easier by far than it is for many young people." This awareness drove her commitment to "making sure that others have the kind of support that I received."

Her approach to diversity work was characterized by what colleagues described as "seeking to make the geosciences a rainbow coalition." She understood that this required both individual mentoring and systemic change across institutions, professional organizations, and funding agencies.

Speakers emphasized her role as a "truth teller" who was willing to have difficult conversations about barriers facing underrepresented groups in the geosciences. Her "Philadelphia swag" and authentic approach to advocacy was compared to other transformative leaders who combined personal authenticity with institutional change.

A co-founder of the National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists said that the organization had been "successful because of Marilyn," reflecting her role in building and sustaining organizations dedicated to supporting underrepresented scientists.

Recognition and Impact

Marilyn's contributions were recognized through numerous prestigious awards that spanned multiple decades and organizations:

• 2018 Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her exceptional service to the geological community
• 2018 American Geosciences Institute Explorer Award, honoring her pioneering work in geoscience education and outreach
• 2010 Geological Society of America Bromery Award for Minorities, specifically recognizing her work to improve diversity in the Earth sciences
• 2007 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, acknowledging her scientific contributions and leadership
• 1994 Association of Women Geoscientists Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her early leadership in supporting women in geosciences

She also held fellowship status in the Geological Society of America and the Association for Women in Science, reflecting peer recognition of her scientific and professional contributions.

The citation for her Bromery Award noted that "Marilyn Suiter has done more to change that, to improve the range of voices heard in the Earth sciences, than anyone I know. The Earth sciences, the Geological Society of America, and all of us are better today because of Marilyn and what she has done."

Personal Dimensions and Humanity

Beyond her professional achievements, speakers celebrated Marilyn's full humanity and personal interests. Colleagues described her "zest for life" that included passions for jazz music, rodeo events, and dancing. Her dancing was particularly remembered, with descriptions of "great dance moves and a big smile while dancing" that reflected her joy in life beyond work.

Her personal relationships extended across generations and career stages. Stories emerged of her attending colleagues' children's school musical performances and taking time to mentor young people who weren't even her direct professional contacts. One parent shared how Marilyn "met with my youngest daughter and inspired her...they had a scientific dialog, and I was shocked. My daughter has met lots of scientists across a diverse range of fields and I had never seen her excited to speak with anyone as she was with Marilyn."

Administrative staff particularly appreciated her personal kindness and respect for all types of work. Stories were shared of her consistent courtesy and care for support staff, and how even during her final illness, she continued to try to connect people and support others' work.

Her generosity extended to strangers as well. One colleague shared a story of walking through San Francisco when "a panhandler came up to us and Marilyn took him into a restaurant and bought him a meal," illustrating her compassion and commitment to human dignity in all circumstances.

A Systems Approach to Change

Marilyn's effectiveness stemmed from her understanding that transforming the geosciences required coordinated efforts across multiple systems and scales. Her work spanned K-12 education, undergraduate and graduate programs, professional development, industry engagement, and policy advocacy.

At NSF, she was described as having "medicinal power" in her ability to help people feel "both more grounded and lifted up" after interactions with her. This reflected her skill in helping individuals understand their role within larger systems while maintaining their sense of personal agency and capability.

Her approach to institutional change was characterized by patience and persistence. Colleagues noted her ability to maintain long-term vision while working on immediate practical problems. She understood that sustainable change required building relationships, changing minds, and creating new structures simultaneously.

The breadth of organizations she engaged with—from professional societies to federal agencies to grassroots advocacy groups—reflected her understanding that the geoscience community includes multiple stakeholders who all play roles in creating inclusive, excellent education and research environments.

Continuing Legacy and Future Directions

As the geoscience education community processes Marilyn's loss, her legacy continues through multiple channels. The celebration itself demonstrated this legacy, with hundreds of participants sharing how they would carry forward her lessons of mentorship, inclusion, and persistent advocacy.

Her impact on individuals was perhaps most powerfully captured in the testimony of colleagues who described how she had changed their career trajectories and personal development. They said they were "better for having known her" and committed to "paying it forward" through their own mentoring and advocacy.

The institutions and programs she helped build continue to serve students and advance diversity in the geosciences. The AGI Minority Participation Program, NSF's diversity initiatives, and countless informal networks of support all bear her influence and will continue to create opportunities for future generations.

Speakers emphasized that her influence would help the community "maintain the soul" of values-driven work in science education and policy. Her example of combining excellence with equity, professionalism with personal care, and institutional change with individual support provides a model for continued progress.

A Call to Action

In her acceptance speech for the 2010 Bromery Award, Marilyn emphasized that "no one does or achieves such outcomes alone" and expressed gratitude to the many colleagues who worked alongside her to extend opportunities. She concluded by saying, "With talented colleagues engaged in the effort, we are unlimited in what we can achieve."

This collaborative vision continues to inspire action. As one speaker stated: "She can never be replaced, but she will continue to inspire and lift us all up." The geoscience education community faces ongoing challenges in creating truly inclusive and excellent educational environments. Marilyn's life and work provide both inspiration and practical guidance for meeting these challenges.

Her legacy calls each member of the community to ask themselves how they can be connectors, mentors, and advocates for positive change. As she demonstrated throughout her career, transforming the geosciences requires both individual commitment and collective action, both immediate support for people in need and long-term vision for systemic change.

The geoscience education community is indeed better because of Marilyn Suiter's extraordinary life and service. The measure of her impact will be found in how well her colleagues and the students they serve continue the work she began.

Funeral services for Marilyn were held on August 22, 2025, at Helen E. Waite Funeral Service in Philadelphia, with interment at Merion Memorial Park.

Donations in Marilyn's memory can be made to NAGT's Broadening Participation Fund, honoring her lifelong commitment to diversifying the geosciences and ensuring that future generations of students have the support and opportunities she worked so tirelessly to provide.