By Sandra Zunino

Robert McNutt of Stevensville is rolling up his sleeves once again to donate his time and experience to a worthy cause.

The Alzheimer’s Association recently announced Robert as its latest addition to the board of directors, starting a two-year term. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.

Robert’s involvement with The Alzheimer’s Association began through his work on the board of directors for the United Way of Queen Anne’s County while simultaneously providing care for his uncle who was stricken with Alzheimer’s. “The Alzheimer’s Association is one of the United Way member agencies,” he says, “but it certainly was the connection with my uncle primarily that got me involved.”

In 2004, Robert’s uncle approached him and his wife, Sharon asking for help. “He said, ‘I’m forgetting to do things. There’s something wrong with my memory,’” explains Robert. As it turns out, Robert’s uncle was suffering early Alzheimer’s symptoms.

“At that point, we did all the power of attorneys and healthcare directives while he was still of sound mind,” says Robert, “as the condition progressed, I became involved in care giving for him.” Because of Robert’s care-giving experience, he was approached by Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Cass Naugle to assist The National Institute of Health with a caregiver guide addressing care-giving issues pertaining to those with dementia.

“I didn’t write it,” says Robert, “I viewed and critiqued it and made some additions.”

“I’m kind of a practicing expert,” he adds.

Donating his time and energies is a repeating theme with Robert. He not only served on the United Way board for several years including president for 2006/2007, he is on the Academic Advisory Committee at Chesapeake College, is president of his homeowner’s association and served as past president of the Alfred Lerner College of Business Alumni board at the University of Delaware. He and Sharon also devote time helping at the facility in Silver Spring where Robert’s uncle now resides.

Robert credits his parents for setting an altruistic example. “They were teachers and gave a lot back to their community,” says Robert. “When you know that what you do is appreciated, valued and makes a difference, that’s very satisfying.”

Currently a full time teacher at the University of Delaware, Robert teaches juniors and seniors at the business school on graduate and undergraduate levels. As a mentor at the University of Delaware, Robert advises students and graduated new professionals with career decisions. Before teaching, Robert was Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Allfirst Bank (now M&T Bank) and held various management positions at DuPont Company.

Additionally, five grandchildren with a sixth on the way, keeps Robert and Sharon very busy. After addressing a health-related issue of his own, Robert and Sharon have decided to take a little time for just themselves and are going on a cruise this fall.

For more information about The Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org. For more information about the United Way, visit www.liveunited.org.