Steve Strobel Memorial Fund

During our season at San Ramon Valley High School, we enjoyed a unique shared experience.  The time between Fall 1969 and June 1974 was remarkable in many ways, both socially, nationally and on our campus.  The faculty, coaches and staff were available, caring, motivated to teach and see us succeed.  It felt like the schools, teaching, and society were much more trusting back then.  It was a sweet time, amidst the difficulties.  We just didn’t realize it at the time.  We were high school students.

 

One teacher who stood out for many of us was (Mr.) Steve Strobel; US History Teacher, Coach and Mentor.  He made US History engaging and was always approachable.  He cared for the students in his attitude and professionalism.  He developed the West Field Trip to bring California history to life and tirelessly looked for ways to interact with students as we pursued our interests at school. 

 

Regrettably, Mr. Strobel died July 2, 2023 at his home in Rossmoor. 

 

Outside of his teaching Summer School in Hawaii, he spent his entire (45) year career at San Ramon Valley high and built a reputation as tough teacher, smart, and fair to the students.  Pati & I met up with him several years ago, shortly after he retired.   He chuckled and said that he had always planned to leave teaching if he had the grandchild of one of his students in his class.  Sure enough, one of his students grandchildren were enrolled at the school when he decided to step down from the classroom.

Years later, he wrote a book about his recollections as a teacher titled “Expect the Unexpected”, under the pseudonym Lee Wildes.

 

He was always quick to laugh and ready for a conversation from questioning his age (we bet him money he was older than 40 due to his balding and gray hair-we lost), discussing current events or just talking to him about college plans.  He was a teacher who earned our respect and admiration.

 

As a tribute to his memory, and as a gift to the school, we have established the “Steve Strobel Memorial Fund” with a goal of raising $50,000 for our 50th anniversary of graduating from SRVHS.  Funds will be designated for the Student Leadership Program which supports “good deeds” for the student body.  They support families in the school community in response to a need such as a death, illness or crisis.

We can accomplish this goal if (100) of us donate $500.  The education we received equipped us to succeed in life.  This is a small token of appreciation and recognition to the school.   All donations will be anonymous.

• A public school is a: “qualified organization” under the IRS code and contributions directly to the school are tax deductible.  Charitable contributions can be made directly through the link below..   

• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD’s) can be made on a tax-free basis from most any type of IRA.

Please consider donating to the Steve Strobel Memorial Fund.  Please go to the San Ramon High school site: sanramon.myschoolcentral.com

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For any questions, please send an email to the