Amara Forsyth: Griffin Heart & Setonian Spirit
Senior Sports Communication student Amara Forsyth is embracing the transformative environment that the university provides. Academically, she strives to become an expert in her subject and expand her learning beyond the classroom. On the field, Forsyth has the roar of a Griffin, assisting the Women’s Lacrosse Team to victory at every chance. In the community, she embodies the care and courage of the Setonian spirit.
“Seton Hill is special to me because it truly feels like home on the Hill. I have found a support system, developed character traits, and grown in my academic and personal journey.”
Classes, Clubs, & Internships
In the School of Business and Technology at Seton Hill, Forsyth has come to thrive in her academic journey. In addition to classes, she is a member of the Marketing and Communication club. She also shares her love for her program by being an informal mentor to first year students. Since the end of her sophomore year, Forsyth has completed four internships. This past summer she was a communication & marketing intern with the Greensburg Community Development Corporation, as well as Charter Oak Church in Greensburg. At both organizations, she supported the planning, marketing, and execution of community events. Additionally, she gained experience in community development strategies, nonprofit operations, ministry operations, and outreach initiatives.Prior to that, Forsyth was an intern with Hempfield Township Parks & Recreation. She was also a Brand Ambassador for the Pittsburgh Steelers Marketing Department.
Study Abroad
Forsyth has also taken advantage of the study abroad program at Seton Hill. In May, she took a criminal justice class that allowed her to travel to Costa Rica. Immersed in the country’s ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, she found the experience eye-opening and transformative. The trip deepened her appreciation for different cultures and broadened her worldview in ways that classroom learning alone could not. “Everything works together with a deep sense of harmony, respect, and appreciation for life and one another. I genuinely loved and appreciated the opportunity to experience this outlook more than I can fully express in words,” she said.Athletics
On the field, Forsyth releases her inner Griffin. The Midfielder has accumulated multiple accolades even before her senior season this year. In 2023, her team was a Runner-Up for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships. In 2024 she was named CSC Academic All District selection. And in both years the team was a qualifier for the NCAA DII Women’s Lacrosse Championships. Additionally, she was a PSAC Scholar-Athlete recipient for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.Shoes for Service
Forsyth’s Setonian spirit moved her to create a shoe recycling program on campus. Its goal is to help the planet. After presenting her ‘SHU’ Recycling Initiative to the President’s Task Force for Sustainability in spring 2025, her project took roots. It began with the Women’s Lacrosse Team’s ‘Green Game’ where shoes were collected. The donated shoes go to MORE Foundation Group, which funds reforestation projects in Ghana. They do this by reselling gently worn athletic shoes to small businesses in developing countries. Throughout the semester, Amara refined the project, created promotional materials, and raised awareness by representing the initiative at the Seton Hill Fashion Show. She expressed hopes to expand the program with additional collection points and future events.
“I would not be where I am today without the incredible support of the Seton Hill community… Looking back, I wish I could tell freshman-year-me to value each second I get at this campus and embrace it.”
Transformation
Forsyth is not only getting an education at Seton Hill, but she's also transforming herself and the world around her. “Seton Hill is special to me because it truly feels like home on the Hill. I have found a support system, developed character traits, and grown in my academic and personal journey,” she said. Forsyth has been able to create quality connections with her community, teammates, and professionals in her field. “Receiving a liberal arts education base has opened opportunities in my pursuit of being a lifelong learner,” she added.“I would not be where I am today without the incredible support of the Seton Hill community… Looking back, I wish I could tell freshman-year-me to value each second I get at this campus and embrace it,” says Forsyth.