Sandra S. Mellon, a community leader who has worked tirelessly to advance the quality of life of those living in the state of Pennsylvania, will receive an honorary degree from Seton Hill University during its Spring 2017 Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

Mrs. Mellon will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and offer remarks of thanks during the undergraduate commencement exercises, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 13 in the McKenna Center on Seton Hill’s hilltop campus.

“Sandy Mellon’s devotion to promoting a healthier community and improving the lives of people throughout Pennsylvania and, in particular, Westmoreland County, is extraordinary,” said Seton Hill University President Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. “Seton Hill is pleased to recognize and celebrate Sandy’s accomplishments with this honorary degree. Her service to others provides our graduates with a profound example of how they can make a difference in their communities.”

Mrs. Mellon served as Vice Chairman and Board member for the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation.  She helped the Foundation raise more than $15 million since its inception in 1995. She helped ensure benefactors funded facilities and service enhancements, health and wellness initiatives, and scholarships to encourage health care professions.

The Ligonier Valley Ambulance Service acknowledged Mrs. Mellon’s longstanding role as a benefactor by dedicating an ambulance in her name.  The TraumaHawk is inscribed with the name “Sandy” on its doors in celebration of her staunch support of emergency responders. 

A Board member of the Gettysburg Foundation, Mrs. Mellon works to enhance the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg and its national parks.  By her involvement, the operation of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center continues to be enhanced.  Mrs. Mellon serves as a Board member for the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which honored her in 2009 as a “History Maker” for her community service efforts.

She also remains an advocate for education.  She co-chaired Leadership for the 21st Century:  A Capital Campaign for The Kiski School.

A native of Ligonier, Pa., Sandra S. Mellon is a daughter of the late Viola King Springer and James R. Springer. She married Seward Prosser Mellon in 1975.  Sandra and Seward have five children:  Catharine Leigh Mellon Cathey, Constance Elizabeth Mellon Kapp, Kym K. Stout, Stacey Stout Skoloda, D.O., Mark W. H. Stout; and 13 grandchildren.