The Susan C. Russo Memorial Scholarship

Honoring a Legacy of Passion & Kindness:

Five years ago, our family established the Susan C. Russo Memorial Scholarship at Johnson & Wales University to celebrate Susan’s extraordinary life – her love of cooking, her generosity of spirit, and her passion for helping others.

From an early age, Susan found joy in the kitchen, preparing Sunday dinners alongside our mother, Janet. Those cherished family moments sparked her lifelong love for food — and a deeper inspiration to teach and share that joy with others.

As her skills and curiosity grew, Susan combined her love for writing, cooking, and teaching into a remarkable career. Her adventures across the United States and Europe deepened her appreciation for food, culture, and community — a connection she captured beautifully through her award-winning food blog, Food Blogga (http://foodblogga.blogspot.com/), where readers can still enjoy her delicious recipes and vivid storytelling. Her words didn’t just describe food — they made you smell and taste it.

Susan also authored two well-loved books:

• Recipes Every Man Should Know, a witty and approachable cookbook “for hungry guys who want to learn their way around the kitchen.”

• The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, a delightful collection celebrating the history, creativity, and flavor of sandwiches across America. Susan often said with a smile, “Make life better, eat more sandwiches.”

To those who knew her, Susan was much more than a talented writer — she was a light. Friends lovingly called her the “Julie McCoy” of travel for her gift of crafting unforgettable adventures filled with culture, laughter, and connection. Her warmth, curiosity, and boundless generosity touched everyone around her.

Our family partnered with Johnson & Wales University to honor Susan’s legacy in a way that reflects her love of food and her spirit of giving. We chose JWU for its excellence in culinary arts and its forward-thinking College of Food Innovation & Technology, where tradition and innovation come together to educate future leaders in the culinary world.

Through this scholarship, we hope to help students pursue their dreams — nurturing new storytellers, chefs, and innovators who will keep Susan’s spirit alive in kitchens and classrooms around the world.

We know she’s smiling at the thought of helping the next generation follow their passion for food.