Steven Massanari Scholarship

“Active” is an appropriate description of Steve Massanari’s years as a Goshen College student. By the time he graduated with a degree in communication in 1973, Steve was well-known and appreciated by fellow students for his ability in drama, sensitivity to others and overall good cheer.

Steve died in November 1981 in Washington, D.C., from complications following lung surgery. Although he had not been well for several months, the seriousness of his illness was not determined until surgery.

Many Goshen students knew Steve through his numerous appearances on the GC stage. His interests in drama ranged from impromptu comedy routines to major roles in all-school productions.

Other friends remember Steve as a good conversationalist, who was “lots of fun, considerate and thoughtful of others.” A Goshen College professor admired still another dimension of his personality: “He was a sensitive person who had great concern for the hurting people of the world.”

Continuing and expanding his interest in communication after leaving Goshen, Steve attended graduate school to prepare himself to help handicapped people. For several years he worked at the Miami Light house for the blind, where he initiated the use of skits as a teaching! learning technique for both staff and clients. After his marriage and move to Washington, D.C., he was seeking employment in the field of blind rehabilitation.

This type of memorial has been chosen because Steve was much more interested in people than in things. The family feels that this scholarship exemplifies his life in a meaningful way and is some thing to which Steve would have heartily agreed.