On June 1, 2021, the world lost a beautiful spirit, Stephen Philip McKean – a thoughtful writer, world traveler, beloved family member and generous philanthropist. Already etched in the hearts of all who knew him, Stephen’s memory will forever be celebrated through his legacy gift at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
Stephen was a child of Appalachia – born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 2, 1973, before moving to Cincinnati where he became an athlete and developed his affinity for his favorite school subject, English. Before graduating from Indian Hill High School, Stephen played basketball, baseball (shortstop) and football (quarterback). In addition to his athletic abilities, Stephen excelled in many academic areas.
It was opportunity and Stephen’s love of English that brought him back to Appalachia to study at Ohio University. Like many who come to this region in pursuit of education, Stephen fell in love with the area – the natural beauty, communities and people. During his studies, Stephen taught in K-12 classrooms within Appalachian Ohio and was surprised to discover the level of remedial instruction students needed in his English classes. He believed the lack of opportunities and the level of unmet basic needs significantly impeded the magic of learning.
After earning a bachelor of arts degree in English, Stephen went on to enjoy a successful career in writing and to travel the world, from Scotland and London to South Africa. But he never forgot about those students – the children of Appalachian Ohio.
When Stephen began facing health challenges, he realized he was in a unique financial position to leave a legacy of opportunities for students in Appalachian Ohio. He had already been giving monthly online donations to FAO, had researched its investment stewardship and discussed with his parents, Jack and Marilyn Osborn, a planned gift to FAO.
His parents, impressed by FAO’s mission and work, readily supported his legacy gift idea. He granted FAO the trusted task of preserving half of his charitable legacy.
Upon his death, Stephen graciously bestowed $1 million to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to use as needed to carry forward the momentum of transformative, strategic programming for the region. To honor his generosity, FAO created the Stephen McKean Legacy Fund for Appalachian Ohio, a named endowment fund to advance creating life-changing opportunities for the children of our region today and across future generations.
His fund is a member of FAO’s Pillar of Prosperity Funds, which have helped:
- Children receive their first pair of eyeglasses
- Families enter new homes
- Expectant mothers receive important healthcare services
- Students access online education from their homes
- Youth experience the excitement of a musical instrument
- And college freshmen enjoy well-kept nature trails
FAO will be able to continue and grow efforts like these because of loving people like Stephen Philip McKean.
Stephen Philip McKean was posthumously presented the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s 2022 Chaddock Philanthropist of the Year Award, honoring those who have made an outsized difference in Appalachia through their charitable giving.