Donor recognition
The Steilens
Scott and Marybeth Steilen graduated from Michigan State University, but they now wear more red and black than green and white. These Spartans are the proud parents of three Georgia Bulldogs.
“We instantly fell in love with the campus’s energy,” Scott says. “Combine that environment with the university’s enrichment opportunities and the HOPE Scholarship, and UGA is an unbeatable combination.”
L-R: Scott, Marybeth, Madison and Ryan Steilen (not pictured: Brett Steilen)
Not many parents get to experience all their children attending the same university at the same time. In 2018, this was the case for Scott and Marybeth Steilen.
That fall, the Steilens helped their youngest move into his dorm. The soon-to-be empty nesters were comforted as his siblings doled out advice on dining halls, riding the bus, and study spots. Before heading home, the Steilens struck a deal: whenever their three children met for a meal, the check was on mom and dad.
In 2011, the Steilens moved from Chicago to St. Simons Island, where Scott serves as Sea Island Company’s president and CEO. Besides relief from shoveling snow, one of the first things Scott and Marybeth noticed about living in Georgia was a widespread love for UGA. Their kids soon knew everything about the Bulldogs. And when their oldest committed to UGA, the couple supported his decision.
“We instantly fell in love with the campus’s energy,” Scott says. “Combine that environment with the university’s enrichment opportunities and the HOPE Scholarship, and UGA is an unbeatable combination.”
Today, Brett Steilen BBA ’19 is putting his Terry degree to work in New York City. Madison, a third-year Grady student, recently studied abroad. And their youngest, Ryan, has pushed himself to double major in finance and accounting. UGA has made a clear difference in their lives, and so the Steilens decided to deepen their connection to the university.
Marybeth and Scott now chair UGA’s Parents Leadership Council (PLC), which has awarded more than $3.2 million in grants to undergraduate initiatives. The council provides funding to on-campus organizations like Recovery Dawgs, which helps classmates suffering from addiction. This support is especially meaningful to the Steilens because Brett volunteered as the Recovery Dawgs’ president while attending UGA.
“The PLC allows us to share in our children’s college experience without feeling like we’re stepping on their toes,” Marybeth says. “We’ve formed our own community of Bulldog parents, and we’ve gotten to know administrators and faculty on a personal level. These interactions opened our eyes to the needs on campus.”
Through the PLC, the Steilens met students facing significant financial burdens to attend UGA. Since the Hope Scholarship and other financial aid does not cover all educational and living expenses, some academic opportunities are simply out of reach. To help all students get the most out of their UGA experience, Marybeth and Scott established the Steilen Family Scholarship.
“This scholarship confirms that we believe in UGA,” said Scott. “It’s our way of playing a part in its mission.”
Join the Steilens in supporting student-led organizations and need-based scholarships by becoming a member of the Parents Leadership Council or by making a gift to the Parents Fund.
