Stephen McKean

On June 1, 2021, the world lost a beautiful spirit, Stephen Phillip McKean - Cincinnati native, world traveler, thoughtful writer, beloved family member, lover of people and generous philanthropist. Already etched in the hearts of all who knew him, Mr. McKean's memory will be forever celebrated through his legacy gift at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

Stephen McKean was welcomed into the world in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1973. Shortly after his birth, Stephen's family moved to Cincinnati where he grew up, 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, although his family recognized - in good humor - that he highlighted only certain accomplishments to protect his dream of pursuing an English major and career.

Stephen earned his bachelor of arts degree in English at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. During his studies there, he taught in K-12 classrooms within Appalachian Ohio. Stephen greatly enjoyed the area - he liked the town, the natural beauty, the activities and the people. But he was surprised at how little he could focus on teaching grade-level English lessons because he needed to provide remedial assistance instead. He believed the lack of opportunities and the level of unmet basic needs significantly impeded the magic of learning. So touched by this experience, Stephen would one day make a difference for the future students of the region.

Throughout his life, Stephen enjoyed a career of writing, devoted much time to crafting poetry, and grew wealth in careful investments. His love of travel and meeting new people led him to study in Scotland, London and South Africa, where he made friends from many countries. In fact, Stephen's friend group was so vast that his family faced a tremendous task of finding and contacting them all when they needed to share the news of his passing.

Stephen had a family he loved who loved him. His parents, Jack and Marilyn Osborn, and his three brothers and their families miss their happy, caring Stephen - their "bright light." When Stephen began facing health challenges, he talked through his estate planning decisions with his parents and realized he was in a unique position to give gifts where needed most. Stephen shared with his family about the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO). He gave monthly online donations to the Foundation, researched FAO's investment stewardship, and believed his legacy investment would ultimately affect future students and their ability to learn. 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. A named endowment fund, the Stephen McKean Legacy Fund for Appalachian Ohio, was established with Stephen's legacy gift to advance FAO's I'm a Child of Appalachia programs, creating life-changing opportunities for the children of our region today and across future generations.

Stephen's legacy is now changing lives - impacting student performance, opportunities and aspirations. His fund is a member of the I'm a Child of Appalachia Pillar of Prosperity Funds. Currently, FAO's Pillar of Prosperity Funds are delivering programs that see children cherishing their first pair of eyeglasses, families entering new homes, expectant mothers receiving important health care services, students accessing online education from their homes, youth experiencing the excitement of a musical instrument, and college freshman enjoying well-kept nature trails. FAO will be able to continue and grow efforts like these because of loving people like Stephen Phillip McKean.