2025 Community Awards Presented

Saginaw Community Foundation presented four community awards at our 2025 Annual Celebration held at Saginaw Valley State University on Sept. 8., 2025

Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy Award

Al and Beth Thieme were named this year’s recipients of the Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy Award. 

In 1994, the Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy Award was created to honor Mr. Andersen. The award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have a history of outstanding philanthropic leadership and have demonstrated their generosity of time, talent, and dollars. This award honors its recipient, who, like Mr. Andersen, is a philanthropist in the truest sense of the word – with a personal commitment to making a difference here in Saginaw County.

Upon learning they were the recipients of this award during the program, Beth Thieme remarked: “It was definitely a surprise.”

“Al and I are very grateful to receive this award,” said Beth. “We’ve always been passionate about the Saginaw community and the people in it. And what I’ve always said to our kids is that this is a community that is a powerhouse of networking. We support one another, we care for each other, and we lift each other up.”

Mridha Foundation Teacher of the Year Award

Donna Schantz, a teacher from Hemlock Elementary School, received this year’s Mridha Foundation Teacher of the Year Award. 

“Thank you, Dr. Mridha, for this award and thank you to Mr. Synder for nominating me,” said Donna Schantz. “I believe that teaching students is my calling. It’s what I was meant to do. It’s not a job to me. It’s my life.”

Founded in 2010 by Dr. Debasish Mridha, the Teacher of the Year Award was established to help teachers inspire students to reach beyond their potential. Teacher’s receiving this award will be presented with a grant to be used for continuing education and professional development.

“Teachers are one of our community’s greatest assets,” said Dr. Mridha. “I believe in recognizing teachers who go the extra mile.” 

Saginaw Community Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award

Brian Keenan-Lechel was named the Saginaw Community Foundation Volunteer of the Year. Brian currently serves on the SCF Board of Directors and is a member of the Scholarship (chair), Distribution (co-chair), and Philanthropy Uncorked Fundraising Event Committees.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this award,” said Brian Keenan-Lechel. “One of the things I love best and most about Saginaw is it’s the type of community that can give you everything you need if you want to get involved, if you have a silly idea or, a great community initiative, there’s support here and there’s opportunity here.”

Established in 2024, this award is presented annually to someone who exhibits: a desire to better the community, a passion for SCF and being a strong advocate, creativity, dependability, eagerness to learn, collaboration, is selfless and humble, and possesses an energetic attitude. 

Joseph W. Madison Youth Award

Lily Winslow, a recent graduate from Freeland High School, was awarded the 2025 Joseph W. Madison Youth Award at our Annual Celebration. 

“It has been my motto throughout high school to live by the saying, if you have something to give, give it,” said Lily Winslow. “Whether that’s a moment of your time to help clean up lunch tables, pick up someone else’s trash, tell someone that their hair looks beautiful today, or start a community service project if you have the time to give and the energy.”

Established in 2007, the Joseph W. Madison Youth Award recognizes an area youth who has given a little more and went above and beyond to serve the community. A longtime community volunteer and champion, Joseph Madison spent countless hours giving back to help make Saginaw County a better place and remarked: “Everybody’s got something to give. There are so many ways to take your skills and talents and help the community.”

Lily was nominated by Ms. Amy Melton, counselor at Freeland High School.