LUM Volunteer of the Month – Susan Ferris Edgell
LUM is honored to recognize Susan Ferris Edgell as the Volunteer of the Month for May 2025. A compassionate and consistent presence in both the LUM Protein Food Pantry and the LUM After School Program, Susan exemplifies the power of service, dedication, and care for her neighbors.
A Lifelong Leader, Now Giving Back Locally
A graduate of West Lafayette High School, Wellesley College (Economics), and Cornell Law School, Susan Ferris Edgell built an impressive legal career, starting in private practice and later working at the Securities and Exchange Commission. She went on to lead a nonprofit focused on mutual fund governance and currently serves on several professional committees. Now retired, Susan chooses to invest her time in ways that directly impact families in need through LUM.
In addition to her volunteer roles, Susan serves on the LUM Board of Directors and Executive Council as the secretary. She is the founding chair of the LUM Governance Committee, which over the past few years has updated board meeting practices, reviewed and revised the bylaws, written board job descriptions, revamped board onboarding, and contributed to creating a strategic plan along with a new vision, mission, and values for LUM.
Mondays at the Pantry – A Rhythm of Generosity
Since November 2024, Susan has become a key volunteer at the LUM Protein Food Pantry, helping prepare the pantry each Monday before it opens to clients at 1 p.m. She describes the process fondly:
“Monday afternoons at the food pantry are a lively mix of chaos and excitement as we unpack donations and arrange them thoughtfully for our clients. Somehow, by the time the doors open at 1:00, everything is always perfectly in place—ready for us to welcome each person with a warm smile.”
Nurturing Young Learners at LUM
In addition to her food pantry work, Susan also volunteers with the LUM After School Program, supporting students as they build confidence in their academic skills.
“Volunteering at LUM is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the joy of hearing a child sound out a word for the first time or witnessing the spark of understanding when they finally grasp multiplication.”
Susan has also been instrumental in working with the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program team by administering and analyzing pretests and posttests with each student to measure retention of reading skills between the end of the spring term and the start of school in the fall, helping to prevent the “Summer Slide.”
A Rich Life Rooted in Family and Curiosity
Susan lives in Lafayette with her husband Terry Edgell. Together, they enjoy visiting their growing family—including her three adult children and nine-month-old grandson on the East Coast, as well as Terry’s six grandchildren in the Indianapolis area. They share a passion for travel, and Susan also loves to read, cook, garden, and knit.
Grateful for LUM and the Greater Lafayette Community
Susan is a vocal supporter of LUM’s mission:
“LUM plays a vital role in the Greater Lafayette community, acting as a safety net for those facing difficult times. Giving back through LUM isn’t just service—it’s the chance to truly make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”
She adds:
“The LUM staff is fantastic! Shout out to the LUM youth programs and food pantry leadership team.”
Be Inspired by Susan Ferris Edgell
If you’re inspired by Susan’s story, consider volunteering with LUM or making a tribute donation in her honor to continue the work she so passionately supports.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your time, heart, and talents with LUM and the families we serve.