Internet Scout founder Calcari dies

Susan Calcari, founder and executive director the Internet Scout Project, died July 8 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Calcari was the creative and driving force behind the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Internet Scout Project, which publishes the Scout Report and does research related to online resource discovery. The Scout Report is one of the Internet’s longest-running and most respected publications.

Started with the help of the National Science Foundation, the Internet Scout Project’s mission is to help make the Internet more useful by combing the Internet for useful sites and information, and making those resources known to Scout Report subscribers.

Calcari was known internationally for her work with the Scout Project and was frequently interviewed, appearing in such venues as Good Morning America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. She was also co-author of a successful book about the Internet.

Calcari was born on June 25, 1956, in Iron Mountain, Mich., the daughter of Robert and Carol (Oien) Calcari. She graduated near the top of Iron Mountain High School’s class of 1974 and went on to graduate with honors from Michigan Technological University in 1978. Shortly after graduating, she moved to San Francisco, where she began her career.

Calcari loved attending live blues, jazz, and rock concerts, was an ardent fan of the Green Bay Packers, and was an avid movie buff. She cherished her warm relationships with her extended family, work colleagues, and her many close friends, some living close to her, some across the country, and some around the world.

A scholarship fund to honor her memory has been established. Donations can be made to “Iron Mountain High School – Susan Calcari Scholarship Trust,” Iron Mountain High School, 300 West “B” St, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.