Hettie L. Shumway was well known in Rochester as a community volunteer and humanitarian, a true friend of people in need. She dedicated her life to such organizations as the Rochester School for the Deaf, NTID, East House Corporation and Friends of Strong Hospital.

In 1965, when she learned that Congress had passed a new law to establish a college for the deaf, she immediately went to the President of RIT to suggest that he submit a proposal to the government. Upon her recommendation, RIT President Mark Ellingson submitted the application to locate the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT.

Mrs. Shumway was a member of the board of trustees of RIT and a board member of the RIT Women's Council for many years.