Serendipity Center is terribly saddened by the passing of ex-officio board member and former board chair Stephen B. Carter. The longtime vice president of special projects at The Standard served on our board from 2003-2012. Steve was an enduring and stabilizing force for many years and truly connected with the mission of Serendipity Center. During his tenure he was integral in completing our first capital campaign, Building for Success, which ultimately led to the construction of our new upper school and administrative buildings; completed in 2011.

Steve was known to all as an incredibly generous, kind, and caring man who had a natural love of mentorship and service. As stated in his obituary published in The Oregonian, “Steve excelled in business and volunteerism; he was an absolute champion when it came to friendships and having fun. An engaging conversationalist with a good sense of humor, he brightened the lives of all who knew him.”

Today, Stephen Carter’s legacy of service and generosity lives on. Following his passing Steve’s family has announced the Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund of Serendipity Center. This fund will be dedicated to funding scholarships for Serendipity graduates seeking independence. We are honored and grateful for all of Steve’s contributions to Serendipity Center during his many years and the contributions he continues to make. When Steve joined Serendipity’s board of directors in 2003 he wrote on his application that he was “energized by the mission and staff of Serendipity.” Now for many years to come Serendipity’s graduating classes will feel “energized” about their futures thanks to Stephen Carter.