From Service to Scholarship

Retired Army Major Donna Reuss ’80 knows firsthand the impact of service and education—and now, she wants to ensure veteran students at La Roche University discover where both can lead. 

Through an outright gift of $40,000 and an estate commitment of $200,000, the Distinguished Alumna has established the Donna Reuss Service to Scholars Leadership Fund to support veteran and active-duty students. The fund also will provide resources for collaborative service projects with local and regional veteran organizations.  

“La Roche University is proud to support veteran and active-duty students as they pursue their educational and professional goals,” said President Christina Clark, Ph.D. “Donna’s generosity reflects a deep commitment to service and leadership, and this fund will create meaningful opportunities for those who have served our country and are continuing their journey through higher education. We are sincerely grateful for her support.”

An Unconventional Path

As a high school student, Donna imagined a future in art. After graduation, though, she decided to join the military first and see the world. But persuaded by her mother to continue her education, she attended La Roche for a year as a liberal arts major.

Donna initially thought to continue her French language studies, but found that her proficiency surpassed the level taught at the college. She then approached Sister Celeste Rudolph, CDP, the German language instructor, who offered her introductory German as independent study. That experience shaped more than her academic journey—she enlisted and went on to serve as a German linguist-interrogator in the U.S. Army. 

After completing her term of service, Donna returned to La Roche and earned a bachelor of arts degree in bilingual business administration through a personalized program designed with the guidance of the same faculty mentor.

“The military gave me the confidence to explore new things. For veterans, it can be challenging to transition into college life. We have a totally different perspective than traditional students on problem-solving, dealing with difficult situations, and appreciating other cultures,” she explained. “The University’s supportive environment for veteran students and its international student-focused programs helped ease that adjustment for me.” 

Following graduation, Donna built a career in national security emergency preparedness, serving for more than three decades in the Department of Defense and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After 27 years of active and U.S. Army Reserve service, she retired with the rank of major. 

Through the Service to Scholars Leadership Fund, Donna hopes to reduce financial barriers for veteran and military students, strengthen their educational experience, and help prepare them for success in civilian life.

How to Give

Gifts to LRU fuel learning, discovery, and lifelong success. To learn more, contact Vice President for University Advancement George Barron: 412-536-1096 or george.barron@laroche.edu.

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