This is another in the series The Sun is running about
people who make significant contributions to the community.
By Saul Resnick
Alan Stedman, the Lions Club’s first vice president, is determined, disciplined, performance-oriented, and believes firmly in the club’s motto, “we serve.” As with all parts of his life, he brings unlimited energy to any task with which he is challenged.
“What I love about the Lions Club is the numerous events we have to raise funds, and the many worthwhile causes to which we contribute,” said Alan with enthusiasm. “The club’s wonderful people give a great deal of time and effort to make it successful, and many have become my close friends over time.” Alan believes in the philosophy that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
For Alan, that means spending endless hours giving back to the community, with the Lions Club being one of many in which he participates.
“I’ve had a long-time association with the Lions, dating back to 1974 when I joined the Camden club, then became president in 1979–80,” Alan says with pride. “It has been a highly rewarding experience.” Among his many credits with the Haddonfield Lions is being named a prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow for his outstanding service.
But Alan, 70, finds time for numerous other activities, including serving as president of the Haddonfield Y’s Men’s Club from 1999 through 2017; a volunteer Big Brother for four boys from 1977–1990; a dozen years with the Haddonfield Jaycees, including one as president; and participation in causes involving the United Way, Bestwork Industries for the Blind, and Red Cross of Camden County.
Alan credits his desire to serve others to his father, A.W. Stedman of Haddonfield, who was very involved with many organizations. “Dad believed deeply in helping others,” reflected Alan. “He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, was president of his family-owned company in Camden, and served as a great role model for me.” Alan’s mother, Janice, was a very organized person who impressed on him the need to perform tasks properly and in a timely fashion.
Thanks to his parents and his own natural drive, Alan earned his bachelors in Political Science and graduated Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University, and earned his masters at the Amos Tuck Graduate School of Business, Dartmouth College. He also served in the U.S. Army and Reserve, from 1969 to 1977 as an executive officer.
Alan’s personal life was enhanced significantly when he met his future wife, Amy, an elementary school teacher.
“We married in 1987, and it was the best move I’ve made in my life,” said Alan. The Stedmans have a daughter, Alicia, born in 1989, who holds a degree in psychology from Furman, a Masters in clinical psychology from Rutgers, and is working on a doctorate there. She’s married to an Englishman, Joe Hurford, and they live in Plainsboro, NJ.
Alan’s family also includes a brother, David, who enjoyed a 30-year teaching career in Camden, and a sister, Janice, who is a massage therapist.
Alan’s professional career has spanned a wealth of experience in business, public service and education. “I held important positions at Rutgers’ School of Business from 1999 to 2002, and then went on to the Camden County Workforce Investment Board, handling several key management positions before I supposedly retired in 2007,” said Alan.
Supposedly is right, for Alan’s life since then has been a virtual whirl of activity, non-stop.
Of his many charitable and community activities, Alan’s wife Amy says, “He’s a person who is constantly doing good things for others, which make our lives more interesting and worthwhile.”
Alan’s active life style includes singing in the Haddonfield Presbyterian Church choir; beyond that, he sings with a “Local Vocal” group, which provides hour-long concerts to independent living, assisted living and nursing home facilities in the tri-county area.
As for the rest of life’s trip, Alan’s approach is simple, “continue to take the time to help others, and enjoy the great personal satisfaction which comes with it.”
