Jill A. Liechty Scholarship

Before her death in September 1977, Jill Liechty took action to ensure that the concerns nearest her heart would receive maximum benefit from her estate.

Jill was 25 years old when she died, following a nine-month illness. Prior to her illness, she worked at Goshen College as an admissions counselor for two years.

Jill faced death with resignation that was tempered with remarkable courage and a sense of purpose. After discussing her estate planning with family and trusted friends, she designated her family and Goshen College as beneficiaries. Acting on Jill’s wishes, her parents, Orner W. and Mary Liechty of Grabill, Indiana, worked with the Mennonite Foundation and Goshen College to establish the Jill A. Liechty Scholarship Fund.

Having worked as an admissions counselor, Jill was well aware of the financial hurdles facing some young people who wished to attend a church—related college. It was her wish to respond to that need through her estate.

The following paragraphs, excerpted from a tribute written by GC President J. Lawrence Burkholder, speak to the impact of Jill’s life.

“When Jill Liechty joined our admissions staff in 1975, it was evident that she was an unusual young woman. Her slight ‘theatrical’ or, should I say, ‘evangelical’ manner disguised a timid, but joyful spirit. Since she had not attended Goshen College (rather she went to Anderson College) , she needed to study Goshen’s education philosophy and theology. She did this but it is clear that as she presented the College to prospective students, she did so with an enthusiasm which was as much a part of her personality as what she represented.

Her small, handmade wooden coffin, prepared by a friend at her request, was her last testimony to Him who became poor that through His poverty we may become rich.”

Twenty—five years is a short life span, but in that time Jill’s life touch many —— those who knew her personally, many more who made her acquaintance in the biographical film “Jill” and the students who in years to come will benefit from the scholarship fund that she helped to establish.