AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn equestrian alum Susan (Dennis) Gordon was named a recipient of the 2020 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the NCEA announced.
"Susan has taken her education, incredible talent for art and her passion to create a very high end dynamic business," head coach Greg Williams said. "Her art skills have generated a high demand for her wares worldwide as she continues to expand her business online and with storefront sales. She is a success to admire for taking a passion and creating a living from it."
Gordon was recognized for her involvement in business as she is the founder and president of her own pottery company. Her enterprise has been in existence since 2013 and employs 17 trained artisans. She has excelled in social media with over 17,000 followers and her line is carried by over 130 retailers worldwide.
Gordon has been featured in Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Southern Lady, and Cooking with Paula Dean Magazine. She has won a handful of awards for her work and is a Top 1% seller on Etsy with over 7,700 sales worldwide.
In addition, Gordon has been involved with art education throughout her professional career. She has served and volunteered on the board of many different organizations, including the Shelby County Arts Council.
Gordon graduated from Auburn in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She was a four-year member of the Auburn equestrian program and served an integral role as the team transitioned from a club sport to varsity in 2003. In addition, Gordon was a key piece in the team's run to the 2004 Southern Equestrian Conference championship.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Business), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least 6 years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and the recommendations were approved by the NCEA Board of Directors. The 2020 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at Award Ceremonies during the National Championship scheduled in April 2020 at the Extraco Center in Waco, Texas.