Alumni Spotlight – Debra Markle ‘71
January 2, 2014
A standard alumnus interview question is about “the best memory of your time at Susquehannock.” For Debra Boyer Markle, a proud member of the Class of 1971, it was a struggle.
“They were all good memories,” she said. “I knew everyone in my class and liked them all. They’re still among my best friends. Every one of my teachers had a positive influence on my life. I carry my Susquehannock memories with me every day.”
When pressed, she recalls the English Department as having a special influence. “Miss Adams, Miss Clark, and Mr. Sullivan all had rigorous reading and writing programs,” she recalls. “I remember reading 110 literary works and books in my high school career – everything from Shakespeare to Steinbeck.”
Debra was busy outside the classroom also. She played field hockey in 9th and 10th grade and was in chorus all through high school. In her senior year, she was one of the Calumet (yearbook) photographers.
Under the direction of Mr. Ruth and Miss Crumrine, Debra also enjoyed theatrics and remembers the junior and senior plays in which she had roles: If a Man Answers and Incognito. Her flair for the dramatic was also evident in her role as the Native American Princess – the Warrior mascot at football games – complete with a black snake draped around her neck.
After graduation, she attended the Barbizon School of Modeling, and then York College to study marketing, retailing, and merchandising. During that time, she married and began to raise a family of two daughters.
In 1979, she was in a position to enter the work force and put her creativity to use in the interior design field, working for a lighting and bath design firm in New Oxford. She held this position for 26 years.
Then in 2006, at a time in her life when most people plan downsizing to retirement mode, Debra took the bold step of buying her own business – Furs by Susan – in Hanover.
“It wasn’t something I really planned,” she explains. “I was in the store one day and the owner said she was retiring. She asked me if I wanted to buy the business and I said ‘Why not?’ I thought I could do it. Design is design.”
As with everything in her life, Debra threw herself into the Hanover business community with passion. She is involved with the committees for “Saturdays on Main,” “Hanover Dutch Days,” and “United Cerebral Palsy” to promote the downtown area. This activity is typical of her drive to be a leader and servant in the community.
Through the years, she has or is currently involved in: the Hanover Area Historical Society, where she writes articles for the newsletter, is a board member, a docent for the society’s 1783 Georgian Mansion, and chairs the Tours Committee for members and guests to Mid-Atlantic historical and cultural events; Trinity U.C.C. in Hanover, where she served as Youth Advisor, President of Women of Trinity and remains on the board; New Oxford Chamber of Commerce, where she was Treasurer and Vice-President; New Oxford Antique Market and Craft Show, which she chaired; Master Gardening Program of the Adams County Extension of Penn State University; Glen Rock Historical Society; Hanover Historical Society; Hanover Symphony Orchestra, where she serves on the Board of Directors; York County Builders Association chair for the Parade of Homes Gala; at the YWCA Hanover, she serves on the nominating and advisory board.
Debra’s love of literature (instilled from her Susquehannock days) prompted her to become a certified literacy tutor for the Adams County Literacy program.
She enjoys gardening, restoring her pre-civil war farm, and attending symphonic orchestral and operatic performance. She always looks forward to Christmas Eve with the Glen Rock Carolers.
Thank you Debra (Boyer) Markle, Class of 1971, for making us Warrior Proud.