Sue Olinger Ovitt, Class of 1965 – 2013 Tiger of the Year
The Board of Directors of the Chaffey High School Alumni Association is proud to announce that Sue Olinger Ovitt, Class of 1965, has been selected as the 2013 Tiger of the Year. Sue was nominated by her classmates Frank ’65 and Lynn Tegtmeier Valdez, CHS ’65.
Except for her years in college, Sue has lived her entire life in Ontario. While at CHS, Sue was a member of the Student Council, the Fasti staff, Big Sisters, Callistians Tri Hi Y, American Field Service Club, Scholarship Society and Girls Athletic Association. She was named a representative to both the Legislative Council and the Girls League.
After graduating from CHS, Sue attended Chaffey College (earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1967), and the University of Redlands (B.A., 1969 and Lifetime Teaching Credential, 1970). In 1969 she married her high school sweetheart, Gary Ovitt ’65 and 2000 Tiger of the Year. Their daughter Amanda graduated from CHS in 2004.
Sue has had three careers: first as a teacher; then, following a summer job in the early 1970s at Ontario Motor Speedway, as an administrator for Championship Management Events, Inc. (a sports event management and marketing company); and now as the senior field representative for California State Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-55th Assembly District). During her 40-year tenure at Championship Management, she traveled extensively and worked with sports figures such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer; Mario and Michael Andretti, Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick and Helio Castronevas. For a time she also worked with former President Gerald R. Ford.
Sue’s community service is based in Ontario. Her favorite charities and non-profit organizations emphasis the education and welfare of children and the preservation of faith and family. She currently serves as a trustee of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, an elected position she has held since 2008. She is a board member for West End Family Counseling Services, Chaffey College Foundation, James L. White Foundation, Pacific Lifeline Transitional Women’s Shelter, and Soroptimist International of Montclair. In the past she has also served the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity, Ontario-Montclair YMCA, Community Senior Services and First 5 San Bernardino.
Sue has been recognized by many organizations for her volunteer work. She was the Chaffey College Alumnus of the Year in 2004; an Ontario Hero in 2005; and a Woman of Distinction for the YWCA in 2005. In 2010 she was recognized for her continuous service to the community when the Ontario Main Library was renamed the Ovitt Family Community Library.
Sue Olinger Ovitt has dedicated her life to improving the lives of her less fortunate neighbors and making her community a better place. She is truly an inspiration and well deserving at being honored as the 2013 Tiger of the Year.
Lynn and Frank Valdez