Golden Apple Nomination

Golden Apple Nomination for Ann Steglich Ð'- Ð''05/'06

If just one person wanted to solve all the world's problems, how would one go about it? For Ann Steglich, the answer is easy - foster international exchange. And for 36 years she has done just that.

Since 1969 when Ann moved from Texas to Michigan with her husband, Tracy, she has dedicated 40 to 80 volunteer hours per week to fostering global communication through the AFS program Ð'- an international exchange organization made up of partner organizations in over 50 different countries on six continents.

Ann's personal belief - that the more we communicate the more likely we will be able to come together to create positive change on a global scale - has led her to work to coordinate over 650 foreign exchange student visits Ð'- impacting approximately 2,712 American host family members throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. And, as if that's not enough, Ann is also responsible for bringing students here to Michigan, as well as coordinating the travel and orientation experience of all students from Michigan who want to travel overseas. Naturally, she doesn't do this alone. A team of twelve volunteers support her efforts and, wellÐ'...she coordinates them, as well.

In addition to her "regular" AFS volunteer duties, Ann is also a champion when it comes to corporate and foundation fund raising. Through her dedication and determination, Ann has helped the AFS development team secure grants from DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company, making her a 2005 Diversity Champion Honoree by the Race Relations Task Force in Metro Detroit.

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More than the number of people she has impacted, however, and the countless hours she has devoted to serving the community and AFS Ð'- what makes Ann stand out is her ability to take people from where they are and lead them to understand that even their smallest actions can have a positive impact on the world - from making a batch of cookies to taking a student from a foreign country into their home for a school year.

It's not that this is an easy task for Ann; she works hard at it. But for those who know Ann, they will tell you that she doesn't take no for an answer, she