Volunteer Spotlight: Suzan Lami

By Greta Engel

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Suzan Lami, a volunteer at Phipps for about six years, cherishes the Conservatory as her favorite place in Pittsburgh. Suzan is drawn to Phipps because she has been gardening her whole life! She started gardening in her grandparents’ backyard growing beans and tomatoes. Reflecting on her family’s history with gardening, Suzan says, “My grandmother brought some amazing Italian green bean seeds with her from Italy over 100 years ago, and they are my family ‘inheritance.” Suzan now grows beans every year and makes sure to save the seeds to preserve their history.

On a typical day of volunteering, Suzan spends time picking up dead leaves and other debris to keep the Tropical Forest looking pristine. She particularly enjoys working on special events, constructing props and helping with children’s programming. “And when the misters are on, I get a free facial!  The only downside is I sometimes can’t get the breadfruit song that plays on repeat out of my head,” Suzan says in regard to the time she spends in the Tropical Forest.  She finds so much joy in volunteering at Phipps because no matter her mood or the state of the weather outside, Phipps brings her peace through its natural beauty.

A retired architect, Suzan lives walking distance from Phipps in the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill. She lives only a few blocks from her two children and six grandchildren! She babysits the grandkids a few times per week and often takes them to visit Phipps. Her grandchildren were very excited to see the return of the Play Market!

Although there are countless reasons she loves volunteering at Phipps, Suzan’s favorite part is the staff, who she describes as friendly and welcoming. Specifically, Suzan attributes her love of volunteering to Display Horticulturist Everett Chronowski, her supervisor. To describe Everett, Suzan states, “His enthusiasm is inspiring and he has given me loads of respect for the staff.  I am usually greeted excitedly as he shows me some new plant or tells me which plant is blooming and emitting that amazing aroma.”

Suzan has a very special connection to Phipps as she and her husband were married here 44 years ago! Her husband, Bob Grubb, occasionally volunteers at Phipps as well. While reminiscing on their wedding, Suzan fondly remembers how they were able to save money by forgoing flower costs, as Phipps was in bloom even in the middle of a February snowstorm. The photo above depicts Suzan and Bob visiting Phipps on their 40th wedding anniversary, holding their wedding photo! We look forward to having Susan volunteer and enjoy Phipps with us for years to come.