Community College System of NH to Honor the Stebbins Family with the Walter R. Peterson Award
February 10, 2026
Three generations of the Stebbins family, along with state and community leaders, at the groundbreaking of the Mark Stebbins Community Center in Manchester last year. (Photo courtesy of the Stebbins family)
CONCORD, NH – The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) will present the 2026 Walter R. Peterson Award for Education and Public Service to the Stebbins family. The family, known for its strong and long-standing leadership in business and philanthropy in New Hampshire, will be recognized April 22 during Great Bay Community College’s 80th anniversary celebration.
The Walter R. Peterson Award for Education and Public Service recognizes individuals whose contributions best exemplify the values of public service and dedication to higher education.
“CCSNH is recognizing the Stebbins family for decades of extraordinary service to the Granite State,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. “Their commitment to community, philanthropy and higher education has left an enduring mark on our colleges and countless lives across the state. This legacy is woven into New Hampshire’s history and continues to strengthen its future.”
For decades, the Stebbins family has supported nonprofits across New Hampshire, pairing generosity with hands-on community service. Their giving has strengthened organizations focused on health and human services, youth and family programming, civic life and community development. The family’s philanthropy has emphasized opportunity and upward mobility, including a long-standing commitment to higher education that helps expand access for students, strengthen learning environments and support institutional growth.
“On behalf of our entire family, we are deeply honored to receive the Walter R. Peterson Award. This recognition reflects not only our shared commitment to service, but also the values instilled in us over generations and a belief that strong communities are built through partnership, education and caring for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this work across New Hampshire, and we accept this honor in the spirit of collaboration that Governor Peterson himself embodied so clearly,” said John Stebbins, fourth-generation CEO of PROCON.
The Walter R. Peterson Award is presented by The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges and recognizes individuals and families who reflect the late governor’s values, legacy of public service and commitment to higher education. Peterson served as New Hampshire governor from 1969-73 and remained a strong supporter of higher education throughout his life, including as a trustee of CCSNH. Past recipients include former Govs. John Lynch and Jeanne Shaheen, Barbara Couch of Hypertherm, Alex Ray of The Common Man, Paul Holloway of Holloway Motors, technology entrepreneur Jeremy Hitchcock and Tom Raffio of Northeast Delta Dental.
Business, civic and political leaders will join CCSNH to honor the Stebbins family at Great Bay Community College’s 80th anniversary celebration, which will be held on the college’s campus on April 22 at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets to the event, click here.
The Foundation provides greater access to educational opportunities through financial assistance for student scholarships, program development and facility enhancements across New Hampshire’s seven community colleges. It also seeks contributions from public and private sources to create scholarships and program partnerships that prepare students for in-demand jobs and help meet workforce needs.
