In Her Name

When Tim Robison met his late wife, Judy, she was a single mother and nurse working full time for the UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, picking up home-health shifts on weekends, and spending her Saturday nights at the former South Side Hospital. She had one daughter, three jobs, and a lifelong determination to help others.

Tim remembers Judy as a “force of nature,” and now, his $100,000 gift to La Roche University will carry that force further. Through his generosity, Judy’s spirit and legacy will continue to inspire and support La Roche students for years to come.

Beginning in Fall 2026, the Judy Reiner Robison Memorial Scholarship will award two $10,000 scholarships per academic year to adult learners who are working toward a bachelor’s degree. Recipients, selected through a committee review, will reflect La Roche’s core values: justice, integrity, compassion, and inclusiveness. Awards will cover tuition, textbooks, and other essential educational expenses.

“Tim’s gift is a meaningful investment in the adult learners who come to La Roche seeking to change the trajectory of their lives,” said President Christina Clark. “We are deeply grateful for Tim’s generosity and honored to carry Judy’s legacy forward through the students who will benefit for years to come.”

Giving Back

Judy built a nursing career that led to her role as Head of Inpatient Psychiatric Nursing at Sewickley Valley Hospital, now known as Heritage Valley Sewickley. When the couple’s first grandchild arrived prematurely, Judy retired early, without hesitation, to be a full-time caregiver to her granddaughter.

“When we got together, Judy was very clear. She said, ‘Family comes first, and charity starts at home,’” Tim said. With this conviction, the couple spent years saving to eventually pay college tuition for their four children and contribute to their seven grandchildren’s education.

“My kids have had all this fortune that Judy really pushed, and there are people out there trying to balance workload and debt,” he said. “I’m not comfortable just sitting here, knowing what we’ve done for our kids. We have the means. We have to do more.

“Judy was very focused on empowering women,” Tim added. “In the working world, a lot of women are in their mid-20s and 30s, and they’re still trying to work their way through college. They have no means or parental support.”

A Familiar Road

Tim understands how support—whether familial or financial—can be lifechanging. Raised in McKeesport by a single mother, he started working at 13 to help cover the cost of rent. The encouragement he received while growing up made him believe he could achieve more, leading to his undergraduate degree at Washington & Jefferson College, an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, and a long career in Finance.

“My mother always made sure my brother and I knew she loved us and that we could do anything,” Tim said. “My grandparents were very protective and spent time with us. I always felt I could conquer the world because of them. It was so good to have that loving support.”

Tim found his way to La Roche in July 2025 through its Adventures in Lifelong Learning program. By establishing a scholarship, Tim said he hopes to continue Judy’s legacy while offering students something even greater than a financial award.

“I want students to feel somebody’s got their back,” he said. “Because if you’re going through life, it’s better to have wind at your back than wind in your face.”

La Roche will begin awarding the Judy Reiner Robison Memorial Scholarship this fall. For eligibility info, email scholarships@laroche.edu.

To learn about establishing a scholarship, contact University Advancement:  universityadvancement@laroche.edu or 412-536-1086.

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