One day in January 2022, Suzanne Slesar (mother of Jayce Slesar '22, and wife of John Sudarsky '84) was at home, scrolling through the UVM Parents Facebook page. A parent posted the question about whether anyone would deliver gifts and things to students.

It was a flash of inspiration. Suzanne says, "I realized I was the perfect person to do this. I live locally. I know what it feels like to watch your young adult go off to school. So, I created the social media account. I posted once, and from there it was all word of mouth."

The message was out. 

"A mom asked me if I could pick some treats for her daughter's birthday. I got a baguette, cheese, a small birthday cake and some flowers. I made my way to the student's apartment, texted the student that I had a special delivery from their mom, and I gave her the treats. She was so happy and thanked me. I told her to thank her mom! It's a bonus that her mom and I became friends," she remembers.

That happiness is the heart and soul of the project for Suzanne.

She remembers, "I was working as an educator and the program closed during the pandemic. Then my brother and my best friend died within a short time of each other. They were both about making people happy, and that is what this is. It is just fun when I see students are happy."

She thinks back to when her son was on campus a few years ago. "It would have been great if we had had this. I would have done less trudging to campus. And If I had been a parent who didn't live within 23 minutes, it would have been amazing to have someone else to drop off chicken soup or pick up a prescription. Parents just want to know their young adults are okay. It would have been so helpful."

"One mom said to me, and it was so familiar, 'this is my first birthday in 18 years away from my child. I just want them to still feel loved and have a great day'."

From Welcome (or Welcome Back) bags, to birthday surprises, to holiday gifts, she's providing that link and a bit of joy for students and for parents. 

Since starting the business she's worked out the logistics for reaching both on- and off-campus students. For those living on campus, she contacts Student Life and Security to let them know she's coming, and then the dorm mailroom or front desk emails the student to let them know there's a package. This helps make sure the package gets to its recipient. For off-campus deliveries, she will bring it right to them.  She texts them a picture of the car she's driving and tells them how to find her, and then hands the goodies right over. 

Asked about her favorite parts of this, she says that she really enjoys making themed gift bags, sourcing mostly from local, women-owned businesses. This time of year, it's all about her 'Welcome/Welcome back Catamount Bag, with everything green and gold in celebration of the school year ahead.

But in response to families' requests, she also puts together treats for Halloween, for Easter and Passover (about which she said "because I make some excellent 'matzoh crack' for my own family, I put that in too"). I make bags for "I'm Sorry You Had a Bad Week," and for "Good Luck on Your Interview," even "Sorry You Got Dumped."

People order via email (groovyuveydelivery@gmail.com) or via private message on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/groovyuveydelivery) When we spoke in mid-August, the ordering deadline for the Welcome Catamount Bag had technically passed, but she said that if readers mention this UVM Amplified newsletter she'll do her best to accommodate.

And Suzanne wants you to know that if you're a parent, or grandparent, or other relative or friend of a current UVM student, there will be plenty of opportunities to get them something special in the school year ahead.