West Central Michigan News

When the football field at Central Michigan University's Kelly/Shorts Stadium was named Kramer/Deromedi Field in the fall of 2022, it honored legendary coaches Roy Kramer and Herb Deromedi. This naming was achieved through a $1 million fundraising effort supported by numerous football alumni and friends of the two coaches. Among the leading supporters were Bob Stebbins, a CMU football standout from 1984 to 1987, and his wife Ann Beth, who contributed $350,000.

"Bob and Ann Beth's generous donation is a testament to the transformational impact of the student-athlete experience at CMU," stated Amy Folan, CMU's Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Their philanthropic leadership honors our legacy and coaches but is especially meaningful when it comes from a former student-athlete. There is no higher compliment to a university."

Bob Stebbins expressed that he and Ann Beth contribute to CMU because the university left an incredible mark on his life. "We're all products of people who help us; nobody gets there on their own," he said. "I came from humble beginnings to a fortunate place in life and now give back to help others. You want to leave a mark on the world, not with how much money you make but how many people you help."

Stebbins earned his bachelor's degree from CMU in 1988 and later obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a partner in Willkie Farr & Gallagher's corporate governance practice and served as general counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission between 2017-2021. In 2019, he received CMU's Distinguished Alumni award.

As a four-year starting tight end under coach Herb Deromedi at Central Michigan, Stebbins helped lead the Chippewas to a record of 25-15-2 while earning Academic All-MAC honors each year.

Ann Beth Stebbins is also an accomplished lawyer, serving as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP with expertise in mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate law. She graduated from Georgetown University and its Law Center where she now serves as an adjunct professor.

In addition to their financial contribution toward field naming efforts, Bob led the committee responsible for fundraising initiatives. "I was asked if I'd chair a committee of former players to raise money to get the field named for Herb and Roy," he explained. "We pulled together 30 former players who played while Herb was there — with a goal to raise $1 million — and together with help from some members of the local community we did it."

Reflecting on her husband's connection with CMU over time Ann Beth remarked: "Bob's CMU experience has been lifelong... The relationships ties back into university desire involvement giving back since graduation doesn't happen every university continuity powerful impactful."

The Stebbins' gift forms part Maroon & Gold BOLD campaign launched publicly last month continuing long-standing support shown towards institution such starting scholarship memory Bob’s mother aspiring social workers following her passing: “We get letters every year student recipients that scholarship so personal show impact helping students little financial support would have made Bob’s mother happy,” added Ann Beth.