Remembering Mr. Dickson Susub: A Teacher Who Helped Me Begin

By Bernard Yegiora

I have not published on this blog for the past few days following the death of Mr. Dickson Susub. His passing has made me pause and reflect on his contribution to my life and the beginning of my academic career.

Mr. Susub joined the Political Science Strand at the University of PNG in 2005, when I was a third-year student. In 2009, as Strand Leader, he and the late Mr. Anthony Sil gave me the opportunity to work as a part-time tutorial fellow. That appointment marked the start of my academic career.

Looking back, I recognize how much depended on that first opportunity. Before the years of teaching, postgraduate studies, and research, there were two senior academics willing to give me a chance. My academic journey cannot be told without acknowledging them.

Some of my fondest memories are of having a beer with Mr. Susub and Mr. Sil. Their stories about their studies and life in the foreign service, followed by their analysis of international politics, made those gatherings particularly interesting. There was always something to learn from listening to them.

Their experiences gave depth to the subjects we studied. International politics became more immediate when discussed by people who could draw on academic knowledge and experience in diplomacy. The conversations moved easily between personal stories and serious analysis. Somehow, they made the beers taste better than usual.

Those moments remain with me because learning continued outside the classroom. Sitting with them, listening, and asking questions was part of my education.

In my earlier tribute, “Remembering Anthony Sil: Scholar, Mentor, and Patriot,” I acknowledged how Mr. Sil and Mr. Susub helped me secure that first teaching position in 2009. Remembering Mr. Susub now brings me back to the same beginning, with gratitude for both men and sadness that they have both passed away.

Dr. Eileen Bobone’s tribute at Mr. Susub’s funeral, shared by Michael Kabuni in the Political Science UPNG Facebook Group, also reminded me of the circumstances in which they supported us. She recalled a period around 2010 when Mr. Susub and Mr. Sil carried the strand’s teaching responsibilities between them. In her account, their efforts helped prevent the program from being discontinued and enabled a generation of students to continue their studies.

Her tribute places my own opportunity within a wider story. They were keeping a program going while making room for younger people to gain experience. I was one of those who benefited from that commitment.

The significance of their work can be seen in the paths their students have taken into teaching, research, government, and the private sector. Eileen’s account is a reminder that the contribution of an academic extends across generations. Students move on, but the influence of those who taught and supported them continues.

At APEC Haus during the National Intelligence Organization Act review. Mr. Lahui Ako is in the foreground and took the photograph. The other participants, from left to right, are Dr. Francis Hualupmomi, the late Mr. Anthony Sil, the late Mr. Dickson Susub (wearing sunglasses), Judge Peter Kuman, Bernard Yegiora, and Dr. Osborne Sanida. Photo credit: Mr. Lahui Ako.

This photograph now holds particular meaning for me. It captures us together when we attended the National Intelligence Organization Act review at APEC Haus. Sadly, that was the last time I met Mr. Susub.

When Mr. Ako took the photograph, I did not know it would become a record of our final meeting. Looking at it now, I see the two men who helped me begin my academic career. Years after they gave me that first opportunity, we were together at a gathering concerned with PNG’s national security legislation.

I am grateful that we had that occasion to meet again and that a photograph preserves the moment.

Mr. Susub’s passing reminds me to acknowledge the people whose decisions helped shape my life. Giving someone a first teaching opportunity may appear to be a routine appointment. For the person receiving it, that decision can establish the direction of a career. That is what his support, together with Mr. Sil’s, meant to me.

It also leaves me with a responsibility to consider how I support those who are beginning their own journeys. I have benefited from senior academics who made room for me. Their example should inform how I teach, encourage, and create opportunities for others.

To Mr. Susub’s family, colleagues, former students, and friends, I offer my sincere condolences. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the university community and with those of us who learned from him.

Thank you, Mr. Susub, for the conversations, the knowledge you shared, and the opportunity you gave me in 2009. I will remember the beers, the stories, the discussions about international politics, and our final meeting at APEC Haus.

Rest in peace, Mr. Dickson Susub.