The Conners:  A Legacy of Love and Learning

Bill and Mary Conner’s journey began in 1958 in the halls of Penn Hills High School, where they first met as sophomores. By the summer of 1960, before their senior year, they were inseparable, embarking on a lifelong partnership that would leave an indelible mark on countless lives.  

Born just four months apart and delivered by the same doctor at West Penn Hospital, Bill and Mary’s lives seemed destined to intertwine. Despite attending different colleges —Mary at Adrian College in Michigan and Bill at Ohio Wesleyan — distance only grew their bond stronger. They wrote letters, cherished holiday breaks together in Pittsburgh and made the most of every summer. 

They married in June 1965 and began graduate studies at Michigan State University. They fondly recall those days, living modestly on assistantships that covered tuition, books and living expenses. Though they graduated with no savings, they also carried no debt — a position that shaped their philosophy on education and giving back. After graduation, they moved back to Pittsburgh, where Bill pursued a career in the software industry and Mary became a professor of genetic toxicology at Pitt.

In 2010, reflecting on the rising costs of higher education, they established the Bill and Mary Conner Scholarship Fund to support students from their alma mater, Penn Hills High School. For the Conners, this was more than just a financial contribution — it was an opportunity to connect with the recipients and witness the impact of their generosity firsthand. “We’re glad we did it while we’re still living,” Mary shared. “You get to see what good your scholarship is providing and how it’s helping people.”  

Their commitment to education didn’t stop there. Just last year, they created the Barbara King Powell Memorial Nursing Scholarship in honor of Mary’s sister, Barbara, a nurse who spent most of her career at the Highland Drive Veterans Administration Hospital. Barbara’s life was tragically cut short by non-smoker lung cancer, but her legacy of care and compassion lives on through this scholarship.  

The Conners’ dedication to education extends beyond their scholarships. They were active participants in the “Take Stock in Children” program in Palm Coast, Florida, mentoring high-potential, low-income high school students and helping them navigate their academic and personal challenges. “It’s about more than just homework,” Bill said. “It’s about broader plans, goals and being there to counsel them through life’s challenges.” Though they stepped back from mentoring when they moved to Gainesville, the time they spent with the program left a lasting impact on both the students and them.  

For Bill and Mary, charitable giving is deeply personal. “It’s about helping others and knowing where your money is going,” Bill said. “We’ve been fortunate, and this is our way of giving back.”