Rockhurst University
Stories of Impact
Memorializing a Mentor Through a Personal Legacy
Katie Guhr, '92
While reminiscing about her Rockhurst journey over 30 years ago, Katie Guhr, —92, looks back fondly at her time with the late Karen Every, Rockhurst University's first director of service learning and director of the former American Humanics program.
"Karen made all things possible," Katie says. "She took me under her wing, like she did so many of her students. She introduced me to key professors and community leaders, and even completed FAFSA forms with my mother the year I studied abroad in France to ensure my student aid wouldn't be interrupted.
"Without Karen, I might not have graduated and I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today."
Karen passed away in October 2020, but her memory lives on through Katie's generosity and thoughtful planning. In November 2022, Katie established The Nonprofit Leadership Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Karen Every. Katie will donate $50,000 to Rockhurst through her will to endow a scholarship for students majoring or minoring in Nonprofit Leadership.
"The Jesuit education honed my research and logic skills. Rockhurst gave me the tools to succeed, and I hope that others can hone their own toolbox with this gift," Katie concludes.
If you're interested in learning how you can memorialize a mentor, friend, or family member through a gift in your will, contact Chris McCoy, Ph.D., associate director of planned giving, at 816-501-4199 or Chris.McCoy@rockhurst.edu.