Brian and Kathy Stevens are all about relationships and the joy found in giving.
Some years ago, they met University Trustee Robert Johnson through the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.
Johnson has long held ties to the organization, which the Stevenses are intimately familiar with because their daughter Samantha has Down Syndrome and was a special Olympian.
The trio formed a bond, and Johnson invited the Stevenses to attend the University’s Pathways to Excellence Gala this May. The couple—with a long history of philanthropy—were so impressed by what they saw in a tour of the campus and later at the gala, they agreed to match the $350,000 raised through the annual event with a $350,000 gift of their own.
This donation, the second highest in the University’s history, brought the total raised through the gala to $700,000. “What is unique about Brian and Kathy is that they are new friends of the University,” said President Ramon S. Torrecilha. “They did not have any ties to Westfield State prior to the gala, but felt so connected to the University after attending it.”
The Stevenses’ donation will support Westfield State’s Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative, which makes it possible for high school students with learning and developmental disabilities to take college-level classes. The intention of the program is to provide a seamless transition to college and employment for these young people.
“I’ve learned that it would be a very sad life to have everything handed to you and not help others,” Brian Stevens said at a check signing event on campus in mid-June, at which the gift was celebrated.
“Long before the birth of my daughter, I’ve always tried within my means to do charity work.” Brian says, “When I die, I don’t care if I am remembered, but I want the world to remember my daughter.”
