Severn School is pleased to announce the 2016 Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is Michael K. DeStefano, Severn Class of 1984.
This award, named for the founder of Severn School, is the highest honor the school bestows upon an alumnus/a. The award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service to humanity, service to community, professional achievement, or service to Severn School. Mr. DeStefano is the 36th individual member of the Severn community to be inducted.
While at Severn School, Mr. DeStefano was a scholar athlete in lacrosse and football, as well as a champion swimmer. Michael was active in Math Team, Spanish Club and the school newspaper. Michael attended Cornell University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. At Cornell he was the team captain and an All-American lacrosse player.
Mr. DeStefano has had a very successful career in real estate development throughout Anne Arundel County. He is the President of Sturbridge Homes and Sturbridge Development Company, one of the premier new home builders in Maryland. A life-long resident of Anne Arundel County, Michael is very active in the community as well. He has served on numerous Anne Arundel County task forces. He coached Green Hornets Lacrosse for 10 years and has also been involved in Hospice of the Chesapeake. Michael met his wife Molly Driver at Cornell University. Michael’s three children Jackson ’09, Kelly ’11, and Brian ’14 also attend(ed) Cornell. Michael’s siblings Gina ’82, Nancy ’76, and Robert ’74 are also proud Severn alumni.
Mr. DeStefano has remained deeply involved with Severn School since graduation. In 2003, he was named Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In 2008, Michael was inducted into the Severn Athletic Hall of Fame and most recently, he served as Chairman of the Severn on Course Campaign. Headmaster Doug Lagarde remarks that “Mike has long been a thoughtful, steady presence at Severn, where he has been extremely dedicated to working behind the scenes, serving and giving back to the community.”
Among others who have been honored by this award are Tom Peters ’60, the famous business guru, the Honorable Richard Bennett ‘65, nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and four Rear Admirals, two of whom were Medal of Honor recipients for their actions during World War II.
Michael will be recognized at an invitation-only dinner on Thursday, November 10, on the school’s Severna Park campus. The event also recognizes all Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni.
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