If you ever walked around 杏吧视频 School of Dental Medicine鈥檚 admitting or radiology clinics and heard someone say, 鈥渨e can do it,鈥 there鈥檚 a good chance that was Sue Opsitnick.
A radiology technician who dedicated nearly two decades to 杏吧视频, Opsitnick was known for her positive spirit and her unwavering commitment to her colleagues and students.
Now, the university community is mourning the loss of Opsitnick, who died Oct. 9. She was 64.
Opsitnick was a certified dental assistant who had extensive experience in oral radiology. Her job involved organizing student rotations, assisting with teaching radiology, recording competency evaluations, and guiding patients in their initial visit to the clinic, among other duties. Earlier in her career, she was involved in planning several public health events, such as Give Kids a Smile and joint research programs with the nursing school.
Her supervisor, Ali Syed, described her as the 鈥渕ost dedicated employee鈥 he鈥檚 ever encountered. Despite facing health challenges, Opsitnick rarely missed work, and she consistently maintained a supportive and encouraging demeanor.
鈥淪he was known for her work ethic鈥擨 never heard her say 鈥榥o鈥 to work,鈥 said Syed, associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. 鈥淲hen we held the state board exams, she used to stay late and come early to help the students take the exam.鈥
Opsitnick鈥檚 devotion to her job was noticed by everyone she worked with鈥攊ncluding professor and department chair Andres Pinto, who was her colleague for 12 years. He said she was always the first person on the clinic floor, and she鈥檇 even come in on weekends for special projects or rotations.
鈥淭o me, she was the personification of service, with humility, persistence, and unabated dedication to her mission in our department and school,鈥 Pinto added. 鈥淪he made lives much better for many of us.鈥
Central to achieving this was her ability to make people feel at ease through her genuine kindness and care, her colleagues said.
鈥淪he brought warmth and a sense of calm to our hectic days,鈥 Syed explained. 鈥淪ue has left a lasting mark on our community, and her presence will be sorely missed.鈥
Outside of work, Opsitnick enjoyed spending quality time with her family and being outdoors, including fishing on Lake Erie.
Funeral services will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home, located at 18149 Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Friday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling IMPACT Solutions at 1.800.227.6007.
