When Steve ’81 and Suzanne Irish reflect on their journey, both individually and as a powerful pair, one theme emerges: gratitude. From Steve’s transformative education at the University of Southern Maine to Suzanne’s passion for the arts, their lives have been shaped by opportunity and the desire to give back. Today, the couple’s commitment to USM exemplifies how planned giving can transform individuals, institutions, and communities.
Steve, a member of the University of Southern Maine Foundation Board, and his wife Suzanne are not only advocates but also active contributors to USM. Their philanthropy supports capital projects, scholarships, the annual fund, and planned giving – demonstrating their belief in USM’s role as an educational and cultural cornerstone in Maine.
Roots of a Commitment
Steve’s appreciation for USM grew over time. After serving in the Navy, he enrolled in USM with initial plans to become a dentist. However, a shift to business accounting—sparked by an insightful mentorship—set him on a path that would define his career. A co-op program as a bank examiner gave Steve his first taste of financial services, traveling throughout Maine and New England. It was here that he developed an appreciation for the rigor and opportunity of the financial world, laying the groundwork for a 30-year career with a company that he helped build.
“USM was pivotal for me,” Steve shares. “The education and mentorship I received prepared me to seize opportunities, and I feel fortunate to have had that foundation.”
Suzanne’s background in music mirrors Steve’s story of passion and pivoting. After studying music for a year, she pursued other interests but never lost her love for the arts. Together, they share a vision of integrating USM’s arts programs with Portland’s vibrant cultural scene, seeing the University as a bridge between students and the community.
A Vision for USM and Portland
The Irishes’ giving reflects their desire to see USM thrive as both an educational and cultural hub. As Portland evolves into a dynamic urban center, they are excited about USM’s emerging role in shaping the city and region’s future. With new housing and facilities bringing students closer to Portland’s downtown, they envision a campus that fosters creativity, collaboration, and connection.
“USM is creating a true city campus experience,” Suzanne says. “It’s an exciting time for the university to become a destination and a feeder for Portland’s arts community.”
Their contribution to the new Crewe Center for the Arts (opening fall 2025) supports this vision, ensuring that USM remains a place where students can grow both academically and culturally. From theatre performances to music programs, their giving aims to enrich the arts and provide students with unique opportunities to engage with the city, the state, and beyond.
A Legacy of Gratitude and Giving
For the Irishes, planned giving is about more than financial contributions—it’s about impact. Steve advises prospective donors to focus on why an organization matters to them. For the Irishes, USM represents opportunity, community, and the ability to make a difference.
“Education teaches us to be good citizens and to think differently,” Steve reflects. “In Maine, with its rural nature, that’s especially important.”
Their unrestricted planned gift allows the University to ensure that future generations will benefit from the same transformative opportunities that shaped their lives. It’s a legacy rooted in gratitude, one that underscores the power of giving back. Through their vision and generosity, Steve and Suzanne Irish are helping to build a stronger USM—one that’s poised to thrive for decades to come.