Jonnie Guerra’s Estate-Plan Gift to Further Fund Her Endowed Scholarship

Jonnie Guerra deeply understands the importance of higher education.

A 1973 graduate of Seton Hill, Jonnie spent her career as an English professor and administrator at colleges and universities such as Mount Vernon College, Walsh University, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and Cabrini College. Even in retirement, she is supporting higher education as a Senior Advisor for the Council of Independent Colleges and as a member of the Seton Hill Capital Campaign Committee.

She credits her education by the Sisters of Charity as the biggest influence in her life after her family.

“The faculty members in the English Department were inspiring role models and motivated me and other students to develop our intellects and pursue our passions,” she said.

Jonnie also recognizes and commends the growth Seton Hill has experienced in the more than 50 years since her graduation.

“Seton Hill’s leadership has shown the ability to meet and rise to challenges, including the move from women-only to co-education, the addition of graduate and doctoral programs, and the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “I am proud to be an alumna of such a well-stewarded institution.”

Jonnie has established an endowed scholarship at Seton Hill in honor of her parents and has notified the University of her intentions of a planned gift that will be funded with a portion of her pension investment account.

“Making a gift to Seton Hill is my way to assist the University to secure its future,” Jonnie said. “By funding a scholarship, I am also helping to transform the life of a student in the way my own life was forever changed by my Seton Hill education. I intend to continue giving back to my alma mater, and I encourage other alumni to do the same.”