David Steelman ’67, ’70G and Virginia Theo-Steelman ’62, ’69G of Manchester, NH, received the 2009 Hubbard Family Award for Service to Philanthropy in October. The Steelmans both received undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNH and have remained committed to supporting students through two scholarships, the Theo-Steelman Public Service Fellowship and the Steelman History Fellowship. “Beyond what is possible to measure in dollars and cents, the investment the Steelmans have made in UNH is immense,” says Mark Rubinstein, interim vice president for University Advancement. “They have invested their time, their talent, and their deep commitment to the University as a whole, and in the students whose lives will be shaped by the time they spend here.” In addition to their two scholarships, the Steelmans are members of the UNH Foundation’s Elliott Society, which recognizes donors who have given cumulative gifts to the University of $100,000-499,999.

Amanda Baum ’10

When I first heard that I was the recipient of the 2009 Theo-Steelman Fellowship I was very eager for the summer to start so I could begin my research at the agency Community Partners. Before I knew it summer arrived and I had been at the agency for barely a week when I was able to meet the Steelmans for dinner. Going into the dinner I was both excited and nervous to meet the Steelmans, as soon as they walked into the restaurant though and Ginny informed me that she would probably be hugging me at the end of dinner I knew I had no reason to be nervous—that is until she pulled out a copy of my Theo-Steelman Fellowship proposal to start asking me questions.

I quickly realized they were just as excited in my research as I was and had a great appreciation for the wonderful opportunities that can come from research. After receiving hugs from both Ginny and David, I left the dinner feeling more confident and proud about the proposal and the work I was going to be doing over the summer.

I spent my time this summer at Community Partners, which is a non-profit organization that helps individuals with development disabilities. There are a lot of people out there who need help, and my education at UNH has prepared me to tackle the kinds of problems besetting people in everyday life. At Community Partners, I worked with a population of adults that I had previously never considered working with.

So what exactly did I do last summer? I observed and assisted four people with improving their satisfaction with and their ability to complete the steps required to do lawn care services. The guys were part of a crew that is known as the Yard Keepers. I was with them Monday through Friday and focused on their ability to use work related activities to enhance and improve their social skills at work and with other activities. I enjoyed working with the guys. I even got to witness the transformation of one client who became a great deal more social by the end of the summer. I was able to get a head start at facilitating groups and seeing what goes into running one. I learned so much over the summer that now I go into all of my classes feeling prepared and confident. Thanks to the guys on the Yard Keepers Crew, I even learned how to start and operate lawn mowers and weed trimmers. 

My work experience will be the basis of my senior thesis. What’s more, I have been able to submit my research with the goal of presenting my project at a national occupational therapy conference. I think I have gained an understanding of my responsibility to clients, such at the guys in the Yard Keepers, as well as a responsibility to my future profession of occupational therapy.

I am really at a loss of words as to how to thank the Steelmans enough for what they made possible for me to do last summer. I was able to spend ten weeks with the agency and there was never a dull moment. When my last day of work for the summer came the clients, along with the help of the staff, planned and threw a little surprise party for me. A number of the clients utilized their computer skills and made cards for me and one of the guys I worked with every day of the summer got up in front of everyone and sang a song for me. The feeling I had at the party was one the best feelings I had ever had. I had learned so much from all of the clients and to learn that they really appreciated me being there with them is something I’ll never forget and for that I have the Steelmans to thank.