Celebrating Susan MacMillan

Many people have served a long time at ILRI, and made amazing contributions, though I know no one who's contributed more to this institution and to its mandate than you, Susan. People know you, possibly better than they know ILRI itself. Your commitment is unmatched... It is customary that when long service people who live in Kenya leave ILRI, I give them a pass to come back. You can keep your pass Susan, because you will always be welcome here, in our offices, in the hallways, and of course, at the bar, to share that glass of wine where – to quote a famous TV show jingle – everyone will know your name.

Cheers and fare-well always, dear Susan.

Susan, I suspect you have little idea how much you have inspired and encouraged me individually, but also many, many colleagues and ILRI as a whole. You have helped us all to elevate our sense of pride in the work that we do for people whose lives depend on livestock. Thank you, and remain part of us always.

Susan is one of the most active, full-of-life persons that I know. Always ready to share, to engage and to give herself fully to whatever she is doing. Her writing styles are amazing and she could not have picked a better profession than communication as it is a natural gift that she has been bestowed with. We will miss her!

Susan has the most amazing memory of ILRI - she knows everyone who has worked for ILRI/ILRAD/ILCA and what they did. She is the embodiment of institutional memory. Susan has also taught me a lot about how to communicate. Her enthusiasm and energy remind me of someone who is starting out on their career, not someone who is retiring. It is often said that no-one is irreplaceable in an organisation, but in Susan's case I can't imagine anyone replacing her. Thank you, Susan, for the irreplaceable things that you have done for ILRI and for me.

Susan is the rare breed of a science communicator. She brings her own sense of style and panache to her communications. ILRI’s brand has been shaped essentially by her style and commitment. Her artwork is seen overall ILRI and her e-letters and social media interactions are more influential than what is put out by ILRI or any other communicator. Susan cannot be replaced but we hope to continue to learn from her as she moves on to a new stage of her life!