Walter ’98 and Sandy Grushesky’s Legacy Gift to Enhance Endowed Scholarship

After 30 years in the manufacturing workforce, Walter earned a bachelor of arts degree in management at Seton Hill as part of the very first class to participate in the Adult Degree Program. That first class consisted of about 40 students, but enrollment in the program had increased to a class size of approximately 400 by the time he finished his degree after four years. In reflecting on his time earning his degree, Walter made special mention of two professors he had, Cathy Giunta and Paul Mahady, both of whom he has great fondness and respect for. Walter used his Seton Hill education to earn promotions at Kennametal until his retirement in 2013.

Walter credits the principles and practices he learned at Seton Hill with his continued professional successes and advancement. Following retirement, he continues to work in the manufacturing field as a consultant. As a result of his commitment to Seton Hill and his remarkable career, Walter received a 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award for which he remains both honored and humbled.

Sandy spent several years working in the Hill, first for the Sisters of Charity and later for the University. Both Walter and Sandy stated that they learned much during their time at Seton Hill and have carried the four pillars, welcoming, celebrating, learning, and service, throughout their lives. Both are dedicated community volunteers with several organizations, and it is an important part of their lives. In addition, both Walter and Sandy have numerous family members whose lives have been touched by Seton Hill, both as alumni and employees.

Walter and Sandy’s affinity for Seton Hill and its influence on their lives and those of their family led them to establish the Walter M. Grushesky ’98 Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students with financial need. And, to bolster that fund and their commitment to the University and its students, they have made a planned gift commitment to the University in the form of a bequest in their wills.