The legacy of student Zech Devits continues as NHTI hosts its 7th Annual Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Tuesday, February 10, 2009, in the Crocker Wellness Center. The Capital Wheelers Team (Granite State Independent Living and NHTI Students) face off against the NHTI (employee) All Stars at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $1, and proceeds from the game and silent auction will be matched by the NHTI Student Senate to purchase assistive technology for students with disabilities.

Last year, the Wheelchair Basketball Benefit raised more than $2,000, awarding electronic readers, electronic dictionaries, digital recorders, and voice–to–text software to several NHTI students. Zech DeVits, for whom the event is named, died at 22 in 2005, just weeks before graduating from NHTI with an Associate degree in Addictions Counseling. Born with gigantism, a rare genetic condition, and skeletal dysplasia, Zech had been wheelchair- bound since age six. Despite his towering 7’8” frame and large features, Zech quickly became a beloved role model on campus. The first wheelchair benefit evolved as part of an education course project, when students decided to raise funds to refurbish Zech’s wheelchair accessible van. The event grew each year.

Charles Lloyd, Coordinator of Campus Activities and Community Service Programs knew Zech as one of his Alternative Spring Break Club volunteers. “Zech touched so many lives in a positive way, and it is for this reason that he has left such a lasting legacy at NHTI.” The games continue in his honor.

Dr. Beverly Boggess, Disabilities Coordinator at NHTI says, “After Zech’s death, the Disabilities Advisory Board, NHTI organizations and Granite State Independent Living partnered to continue the benefit annually in remembrance of Zech’s positive impact and generous nature.” All qualified NHTI students with documented disabilities are encouraged to apply for assistive technology through the Zech DeVits Memorial Equipment Fund.