Partner services specialist for Centennial Campus, Sue Cross, recently died after being hit by a truck in Atlantic Beach, N.C. She was 57. 

Sue Cross, a Wake County native, worked with the University for 34 years before retiring in April 2012. Not only was she involved with the Centennial Campus Partnership office, but also many other departments at N.C. State, including the Department of Forestry, CALS Dean’s Office, Friends of the College Concert Series and the Talley Student Center and Arts Program. 

Amy Lubas, director of partnership development for the Centennial Campus Partnership office, worked closely with Cross for several years at N.C. State. 

“She really cared about being healthy and having a healthy workplace,” said Lubas. “We miss her terribly and had plans for her to come back. She was such a valuable part of our team.”

Cross created many programs and events around Centennial Campus to promote health and wellness, including “HealthWorks!” The service made mobile mammograms, blood drives, heart and vascular screenings, and a variety of diet seminars available to the employees of Centennial Campus. 

Cross also created programs that gave N.C. State’s campus a sense of community, such as the Executive Breakfast club, and the Summer Farmer’s market. 

Dennis Kekas, associate vice chancellor of the Centennial Campus Partnership office, also worked in close contact with Sue Cross and stressed her leadership skills. 

“She was a great leader, she could make people feel good about any circumstance,” Kekas said. “She got things done and gained the respect of so many people along the way.” 

Sue cross is survived by her husband, Robbie Cross, and her children, Erin Cross Gross and Travis Cross. 

“I can’t say enough nice things about Sue Cross,” said Kekas. “It was the sheer nature and power of her personality that influenced everyone that knew her.”