There are a great number of things Judee Bavaria G’72 is passionate about: rooting for her favorite Philadelphia sports teams, providing an exceptional residential experience for her clients and directing her philanthropy to causes that make a profound impact on people.
Bavaria is president and CEO of Presby’s Inspired Life (Presby), a not-for-profit, faith-based ministry that provides continuing care and affordable housing to seniors throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Following a career in nursing, Bavaria returned to the University to obtain her master’s in rehabilitation counseling. This degree led to an inspired leadership path in health care administration and her current executive role with Presby.
Recently, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees at the University. Through this leadership lens, she has been able to shape and focus her philanthropic priorities at the University based on how she feels she can make the greatest difference in the lives of today’s students.
What inspires you about The University of Scranton?
The University of Scranton is one of my personal priorities because I believe the biggest impact we can have on others is to provide access to education. As an alumnus, I embrace and live by the principles of my Jesuit training: the care of the whole person, faith that promotes social justice and a daily wonder at what the new day brings.
I have always maintained a commitment to giving back to an institution that has had such a life-changing effect on me and my livelihood.
What was the most important consideration for you when you were exploring how to have the greatest impact?
I see how philanthropy makes a difference in people’s lives every day. The beautiful thing is you can have an impact through a variety of approaches. I make annual gifts through The Royal Fund because I know this gift will support today’s students and keep tuition costs contained. I am working on building an endowed scholarship for nursing students to motivate and help catapult them toward success, career fulfillment and, ultimately, a future enriched by service and distinction.
My plan is to make my largest impact on Scranton students by making the University a major beneficiary of my life’s work through my estate plan. Making a planned gift is a wonderful way to show my support and appreciation for Scranton and its mission while accommodating my own personal, financial, estate-planning and philanthropic goals.
However, all levels of support have an impact on students today and preserve our Jesuit ideals and legacy for future generations.
When you think of The University of Scranton, what three words come to mind?
Faith. Excellence. Service. I am so indebted to the University for influencing these characteristics in me as the heart of our mutual work and passion.
With smart planning, you may actually increase the size of your estate and/or reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Just as importantly, you will know that you have made a meaningful contribution to The University of Scranton.
To learn more, please contact Cheryl Murphy, associate vice president for development, at cheryl.murphy@scranton.edu or 570.941.4144.
