The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium would like to congratulate Susanne Gatesman, an Instructor in the Education Department, as the Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2013. Susanne is a hard-working and valuable team member here at the Zoo and deserves honorable recognition for her many years of service.
It is easy to see why Susanne would be nominated from what her peers have to say about her:
“Susanne is one the nicest people you will ever meet. Her kindness, sense of humor and work ethic make her an amazing co-worker and friend. She works well with her fellow team members in the Education Department as well as staff from many other departments here at the Zoo.”
As Employee of the Quarter, Susanne receives a $50 gift card to a local restaurant, a V.I.P. parking spot, an article in our employee newsletter, The GaZOOtte, as well as a featured spot on our website and the Facebook page. Thank you so much, Susanne, for your passion and dedication. It is because of people like you who help make the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium #1!
Q and A with Susanne Gatesman:
1. Family/Pets/Anyone to make famous?
Husband-Joe, Cat-Zoey, Daughter and new grandchild!
2. What is your best memory working at the Zoo so far?
Working with children and students in the Education Department has supplied me with a lifetime of good memories and meaningful moments but one of the most funniest and embarrassing moments for me was the day that the black rat snake I was showing to an auditorium full of students slithered up my shirt sleeve and down the front of my shirt. I eventually had to unstuff my shirt and bring the snake out through the bottom of my shirt. I can only imagine what the students went home and told their parents that night, “Mommy, the Zoo lady pulled a snake out of her shirt”
3. What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Hiking, kayaking, and now spending time with family and grandchild.
4. What are your favorite hobbies?
Bird Watching, and I also enjoy making educational learning materials for Zoo programs. It is amazing what you can make from a cardboard box.
5. If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?
Keep the chocolate coming… and if peanut butter happens to get in the chocolate that’s even better!
6. If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be….
Honest, reliable, creative
7. What is one item that you really should throw away, but probably never will?
Probably should throw away my Bobby Sherman poster from 1977. Go ahead ladies Google him, he was a teenage heartthrob from the 70’s
8. If you could go on a road trip with any person (dead or alive), who would it be and where would you go?
Shopping at Cabela’s with Lewis & Clark. What a blast it would be to see their reaction to all the gear that is available today.
9. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be in the Fashion Industry. As a teenager I remember wanting to live and work in New York City for a famous fashion magazine as a fashion editor. What a big ambition for a girl living in a small town with only one traffic light. I have visited New York City…I am glad I work at the Zoo!