Rosel Schewel devoted her life to education, service, faith, family, and community. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother to her three children, she poured much of her energy into creating opportunities for others, especially young people.

One of her early areas of service was through the Girl Scouts. As a troop leader, Rosel took great pride in the young women she had the opportunity to guide, encourage, and support. Her commitment to those girls grew into broader leadership within the Girl Scouts, where she used her voice to advocate for fairness and inclusion. 

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During the 1940s, Rosel helped advocate for a Black Girl Scout troop that had been denied access to a summer experience because the location did not allow Black people to enter. Rosel, along with others, pushed for the integration of that space so the Black troop could participate. It was not an easy stand to take. Her advocacy stirred controversy, caused some board members to resign, and led some parents to keep their daughters from attending. Still, Rosel stood her ground.

That moment revealed something central about her life: Rosel Schewel had privilege, access, and resources, but she was intentional about using them to advocate for people who did not have the same position or protection.

Her faith also shaped her service. Rosel was active in her synagogue, and her spiritual values helped guide her toward a life of purpose, justice, and intentional action. She supported leaders and causes she believed could create positive change in the community and beyond.

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Education became one of the great passions of her life. Rosel tutored people in reading and became deeply committed to helping learners succeed. She understood that literacy could change a person’s confidence, opportunities, and future. Over time, she also became connected to teaching and learning at the University of Lynchburg, where she took classes, taught classes, and helped strengthen the university’s education program.

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Rosel cared deeply about how people learn. She supported future educators in understanding different learning styles, different abilities, and different access needs. Her work helped deepen conversations around how education could become more accessible and responsive to the needs of all students.

Alongside her husband, Rosel also gave philanthropically to the University of Lynchburg and to other efforts that promoted education, opportunity, and access. Their giving helped strengthen institutions and create pathways for others to learn, grow, and lead.

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Later in life, Rosel became part of community conversations that examined the racial and economic divides in Lynchburg. Through committee work connected to healing disparities and expanding educational access, she helped support the development of Beacon of Hope. Beacon of Hope was created to help Lynchburg high school students access post-secondary education, especially when finances might otherwise stand in the way.

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The program provided mentorship, scholarship support, financial aid guidance, and resources to help students and families believe that further education was possible. Rosel not only supported the work personally, but also helped advocate for the funding and donor support needed to make the vision a reality.

Her legacy continues through the students, educators, institutions, and community efforts she helped strengthen. Rosel Schewel’s life reminds us that service is not only about generosity. It is about using what you have — your voice, your influence, your resources, your faith, and your relationships — to open doors for others.