Suzanne Suede de Bronkart, Alumni Citation 2024

Suzanne Suede de Bronkart ’79, Alumni Citation 2024

Suzanne Suede de Bronkart ’79
Wellfleet, Massachusetts

No one has ever accused Suzanne Suede de Bronkart of being shy — in fact, she’s become famous for unapologetically living her truth, on stage and off.

Self-taught and already an aspiring entertainer by the time she came to Wartburg, she was known on campus simply as Suede, her middle name. She cut her teeth on intimate performances at the Den, sold-out shows at area bars and restaurants, performances with Wartburg’s instrumental and vocal student ensembles, and live airtime as a DJ at KWAR. She was also out and proud at a time when that was neither common nor easy.

After graduation, Suede started out busking and playing in small bars in Baltimore. As she built her career, Suede founded her own record label, Easily Suede Music, and began selling out world-class venues like New York’s famous Birdland and San Francisco’s Feinstein’s. She began playing venues like The Kennedy Center, touring nationally and internationally, and recorded a special in support of PBS’ fundraising efforts.

Suede has used that fame and her label to champion small, independent artists and worthwhile charitable causes. “Suede’s commitment to serving others is noteworthy,” wrote Ruth Bahe-Jachna ’80, one of Suede’s nominators. “Suede views any degree of celebrity she has as a privilege that carries with it a responsibility to help those in need.”

Suede recently raised $100,000 toward the first professorship for sexual and reproductive justice at City University of New York, and she’s held many benefits on behalf of HIV/AIDS organizations, animal shelters, Alzheimer’s groups, free clinics, community arts organizations, and individuals in need after a crisis.

A notable vocalist and instrumentalist in her own right, Suede has co-headlined with artists like Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Lily Tomlin, and Janis Ian. Her quick wit also landed her a spot as opening act for legendary comic Joan Rivers, even as the music industry was at times reluctant to embrace Suede and her identity.

“As an openly gay person in the early 1980s, there were many obstacles and unfair biases against her,” wrote Dr. Lee Nelson, another of Suede’s nominators. “She persevered and stayed true to who she was as a person and a musician. She is an excellent mentor and model for our current, past, and future LGBTQ+ students.”

For her ability to stay grounded in community and service to others even from the heights of fame, the Wartburg College Alumni Board is pleased to present Suzanne Suede de Bronkart with an Alumni Citation.