For more than 30 years, Steve and Susan Heller have strengthened the Penn Yan and Yates County community through volunteer service, leadership, and a willingness to help wherever they are needed. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Keuka College recognized that commitment by presenting the couple with its 2026 Donald and Corrine Stork Award for Community Service.
More than 100 community residents attended the gala luncheon at Keuka College, including approximately a dozen past recipients of the Stork Award, to celebrate the Hellers and their contributions to the region.
President Amy Storey told the audience that Steve and Susan Heller are especially deserving of the honor because of how they how they approach community service: together.
“Steve and Susan offer a powerful example of what a life of purpose can look like,” said Keuka College President Amy Storey. “Through their willingness to share their time, talent, and heart, they have made our community stronger and more connected. They remind us that a community is not simply where we live. It’s a promise we make to one another – to show up, lend a hand, and leave things better than we found them.”
The Hellers’ service has touched numerous organizations and causes throughout Yates County, including the Yates County Arts Council, Keuka Comfort Care Home, and the Keuka Lake Association. They have also helped organize and support community events and fundraisers such as the Krossin’ Keuka family swim and the Life Is a Journey 10K.
Established in 1991, the Donald and Corinne Stork Award for Community Service recognizes area residents whose volunteerism, leadership, and civic engagement reflect Keuka College’s longstanding commitment to public service. The award is named for its inaugural recipients, whose lives exemplified selfless service and dedication to community. Members of the Stork family attended Tuesday’s luncheon, including Donald and Corrine’s son, Steve Stork, and daughter, Peggy Stork Havens.
With Susan standing by his side, Steve offers thanks and shares memories of the award’s namesakes, Donald and Corrine Stork. Both Susan and Steve used the same word to describe their feelings following the ceremony: “Humbled.”
The Hellers expressed their gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of community bonds.
“It has been a great honor and joy to be able to serve our community,” Susan Heller said. “Over the years we have met lots of wonderful people, many of whom have become dear friends. Working together for a common goal has a way of bringing out the best in folks.”
Steve Heller reflected on the example set by the award’s namesakes.
“Don and Corrie Stork were pillars of our community,” he said. “They were involved in almost every aspect of our community’s life. They served quietly and without fanfare. They were true role models for all of us and, by their actions, taught us.”
The couple’s recognition extended beyond the College and local community. State Sen. Thomas O’Mara and Assemblymember Phil Palmesano co-sponsored a New York State Legislative Proclamation honoring the couple for their service. The proclamation expressed the Legislature’s “collective appreciation, gratitude, recognition, and tribute” in honor of Susan and Stephen Heller.
“The true measure of Steve and Susan’s service isn’t found on a list of organizations or volunteer hours. It’s found in the relationships they have built; the people they have encouraged; and the quiet, consistent way they make this community stronger.”
