Stephanie Powers’ Estate-Plan Gift to Establish Endowed Scholarship

Stephanie J. Powers developed passions that would drive her future at Seton Hill.

“My time at Seton Hill led me to recognize the importance of fairness, leadership, charity, and social justice and helped me shape my life and my professional career,” said Powers, a 1971 alumna with a degree in sociology and a minor in classical studies.

Powers recalled how the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill—particularly Sister Zoe Dorsa and Sister Lois Sculco—made a profound impact on her time as a student. It was her family’s connection to Sister Lois’ father that led Stephanie from Villa Maria High School in Erie to Seton Hill. Stephanie’s mother was from New Kensington as was Sr Lois’ family. She admired that Judge Sculco sent his daughter to Seton Hill and yearned to send her daughter there.

During her time as a student, Powers saw how change can happen when people come together to achieve a common goal—she and her classmates successfully worked to change a dress code policy on campus at the end of her freshman year, organizing a campus protest sit-down. After all, it was the late ’60s!

“My time at Seton Hill was marked by the long-lasting friendships I developed,” she added. “In fact, a group of my floormates still gets together once a month on Zoom to keep in touch.”

Making positive change became a hallmark of Powers’ career. She began work as a VISTA volunteer in New Hampshire, assisting youth from economically disadvantaged households. She gained extensive experience in the nonprofit and public sector in workforce development, community organizing, public policy advocacy, and disability employment advocacy. She has held local and state government positions—primarily in workforce development policy and programs—and was a professional staff member at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.

She later accepted a position in the Clinton administration as Chief of Staff and Director of Public Affairs in the Employment & Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor and was subsequently appointed as the National School to Work Director. Stephanie later served as CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards and retired in 2023 after 15 years as the Senior Advisor for Public Policy and Partnerships at the Council on Foundations.

With all that Seton Hill gave her, Powers has made it a point to give back. She has maintained her connection to Seton Hill since her graduation through regular giving, attending as many reunions as possible, and serving as a reunion chair. A Distinguished Alumna, Powers has also made provision for the University in her estate plan through the establishment of an endowed scholarship named in honor of her mother, Jayne Jablonski Powers.

“When reviewing my estate plan, it was important to me to continue my efforts in public service in some way,” Powers said. “I was able to reach the pinnacle of my own career thanks to the education I received at Seton Hill, and I want to make that possible for future students. Seton Hill provided the foundation for my success in life, and it is my hope that other Setonians will benefit from my gift and go out and make a difference in the world.”