Mike Deland Internship

This Fund was named in honor of Michael Reeves Deland, a noted American public servant, and was established in January 2022 by his college roommates, Charlton Ames and William “Nick” Bancroft, who wish to honor his memory.

Mike left behind contributions to America ranging from his environmental stewardship to his disability rights advocacy. He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, as New England Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and as Chairman and President of the National Organization on Disability. Mike was a noted competitive sailor, attorney, husband, father of three, and a wheelchair user.

Mike became progressively disabled throughout his lifetime, and as noted by his friends, never wavered in his tenacity, vitality, or character. He was known for his dedication to the environment, particularly cleaning up Boston Harbor, protecting sensitive New England wetlands from development, and being among the earliest government officials to warn about global warming. After his service in the White House, Mike worked on disability rights and led the fight for disability representation at the FDR Memorial in Washington DC in the 1990s, which culminated in the addition of the FDR wheelchair statue. The statue, according to Mike, was his “most enduring accomplishment.”

This program is named in honor of Mike and is administered by the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee (FDR Committee) as an ongoing tribute to him and his spirit of optimism, courage, indefatigable determination, and commitment to promoting opportunity, equality, and inclusion.

Interns handle a range of responsibilities and receive ongoing opportunities for professional development and training.  

We are proud to recognize the individuals who have served the organization, the FDR Memorial, and the community as part of the Mike Deland Internship Program: 

  • Tewelde Semere, University of the District of Columbia
  • Derrick Simms, University of the District of Columbia
  • Isabel Sabre, American University
  • Joshua Nelson, Melwood, Inc. 
  • Isabella Zoslow, American University
  • Olivia Holmes,  Kalamazoo College

To learn more about opportunities, contact mary@fdrmemoriallegacy.com