Geneseo Is For Tomorrow
Steve Durian Receives Community Caring Award
Steve Durian, Vice President of Rebuilding Together Geneseo/Cambridge was surprised with the GIFT Community Caring Award during the November 17th Rebuilding Together board meeting. In addition to the award, a $500 donation was made in Steve’s name to Rebuilding Together by Lohman Companies Insurance Foundation fund with GIFT.
Pictured from left are Steve Durian, vice president of Rebuilding Together, Mike Ricketts, incoming president of GIFT, Bob Kuhns, outgoing president of GIFT, and Brett Lohman of Lohman Companies Insurance and GIFT past president and board member.
November 17, 2011
The GIFT Community Caring Award was established to recognize and show appreciation for individuals in our community who make "going above and beyond” a part of their everyday life. Recipients are role models who exemplify an extraordinary commitment to public service and social responsibility.
This year the GIFT Foundation Board of Directors has selected as the 2011 winner from the nominations received, Mr. Steve Durian. In addition to the award, a $500 donation will be made to a charitable organization of his choice on Steve's behalf by Lohman Companies Insurance Foundation’s fund with GIFT.
In 1972 Steve began his teaching career in the Business Department at Geneseo High School. Eight years later he started the Building Trades program there. He educated and motivated many students who have made construction trades their careers. Steve was named Business Manager of Geneseo Schools in 1990 and was deeply involved in the construction of the Middle School and the High School Athletic Facility.
One of the nomination letters reads:
"In 1993, Steve Durian joined Pastor Dave Esche in forming a nonprofit organization called Christmas in April. The organization was chartered in 1994. Their mission was simple, to provide home rehabilitation to low income homeowners. Steve has remained vice-president for the past 17 years. In that time Steve has been the one responsible for ordering all necessary materials for every project. He has designed all of the 51 ramps built by Rebuilding Together Geneseo/Cambridge (RTGC)."
"He has had a hand in every RTGC project, assisting over 260 homeowners and 3 nonprofit organizations. His dedication goes far beyond the construction and design, he gives every homeowner dignity and respect. His thoughtfulness, dedication and perseverance is what makes Rebuilding Together a successful nonprofit. Community Caring is Steve Durian."
Steve is a member of Geneseo Rotary and the board of Hammond-Henry Hospital. He is active in his church and currently serves as an elder. Steve and his wife Pam live in Geneseo. They have raised their family and made their careers in the area for more than 35 years.
Through the annual Community Caring Award, GIFT Foundation seeks to honor those who have demonstrated selflessness, exhibited long-term commitment to the service and the betterment of society, and who have had a significant impact on the lives of others in our community. We particularly look for those whose efforts will last beyond their lifetime. Steve joins a very special list of winners since the awards inception in 2007.