Grateful Legacy
Bruce Schonour graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1967 and went on to attend IUP, where he was a member of the swim team and the band. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in music education in 1971.
An educator at heart, he spent more than 30 years teaching music, directing the marching and concert bands, and producing musicals in the Schuylkill Valley School District. His students remember him for his humor and for always encouraging their best performance. As a trombonist, Bruce spent many years sharing his passion for the instrument with students through private lessons.
Thankful for his IUP experience, which, he said, transformed his life and enabled his career, Bruce approached the university about leaving a portion of his estate. After several personal visits and discussions about his philanthropic intentions, Bruce decided to fund merit-based scholarships for students studying in the areas of music education and performance and who participate in marching band, theater, musical theater, or varsity swimming.
Bruce passed away in 2018. In honor of his wishes, his legacy will endure in perpetuity with the creation of six new endowed scholarships for IUP students. IUP is grateful to Bruce and others who donate significantly more than they could in life through a bequest or other planned gifts.
To learn how you, like Bruce, can create an enduring legacy at IUP, contact Indiana University of Pennsylvania at university-advancement@iup.edu or 724-357-5661.