The Steve Maranzana Fund for the Environment was established in Steve's honor after his sudden passing on December 20, 2013. This fund supports two student interns each year to manage the native plant nursery and organize volunteer and outreach events for the creek.
Steve Maranzana attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate. He graduated with a double major in Economics and Environmental Science and a French minor. His career interest in Strawberry Creek was sparked by an environmental science class with field trips focused on aquatic life in the creek. His positive experience with the class led him to complete an undergraduate internship in UC Berkeley's Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S), and to continue on with the department full-time after graduating. When completing a Master's Degree in Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco (USF), Steve focused his thesis on Strawberry Creek. Steve was promoted rapidly and gained expertise in many related topics within EH&S, including emergency preparedness and response, health and safety training, and management. At the time of his passing, he was an Assistant Manager at EH&S, served on multiple committees, and was spearheading the implementation of UC Berkeley's Tobacco-Free Initiative. Throughout his career, however, Steve always had a place in his heart for Strawberry Creek.
To the interns:
What might Steve say to you as an undergraduate sharing some of the same interests, early in your career? Steve believed that life is for living -- doing what you care about most, defending what matters, maintaining a balance between work and fun, and taking chances with new experiences. Steve's path to success was smoothed by his friendly and professional manner, can-do attitude, and care in maintaining his friendships, environment and himself. As a recipient of the Steve Maranzana Fund for the Environment scholarship, his family is grateful that you are carrying on his legacy of passion and commitment to Strawberry Creek and the many ways that it benefits us all.