Suzanne M. Helff

Suzanne Margaret Helff was born in 1970, the same year that her father, Peter Helff, Sr. began his lifelong service to the students, staff, and faculty at Bergen Community College. “Pooh,” as Suzanne was affectionately known, was a familiar figure at the college throughout her life, known for being driven by two passions: her dedication to her family, and her love for animals of all shapes and species. She spent several summers working as a volunteer at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center, often rescued sick animals that she would nurse back to health, and worked tirelessly to provide loving homes for strays. Suzanne wanted nothing more in life than to nurture her zeal for animals into a career, and after her daughter was old enough to begin schooling, “Pooh” began pursuing a career as a Veterinarian Technician. Unfortunately, the complete realization of her career ambition was left unfulfilled when she passed away in 1997 at the age of 27. Still, her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and in October 2019, the college officially rededicated its veterinary technology building “Suzanne M. Helff Hall,” helping to enable those who share Suzanne’s passion for the care of animals to forever thrive here at Bergen Community College and beyond.