The Rumphius Foundation,
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in March 2013 by Michael C. Schuller. The Foundation’s name is derived from one of his favorite children’s books, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, in which the central character seeks to travel, live by the sea, and most importantly, to make the world a little more beautiful than how she found it. Mike truly lived his life as Miss Rumphius did, making the world and our lives more beautiful in small but meaningful ways.
During Mike’s life he was committed to sustainability, protecting and refurbishing the environment, and outreach in his communities through such organizations as Friends of Acadia, Clean the Bay, United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity. Mike spearheaded the construction of the first LEED Gold building at St. Andrew’s School, reforested fields, and advocated for solar energy. Mike could never take a walk without stooping to pick up any litter he spied in his path. He was also known for his random acts of kindness to others as well as his belief in seizing life and making the most of every day.