School of Music alum Douglas G. Stewart pledged $3.5 million to name the College of the Arts deanship and support hands-on learning experiences for students.
The endowed gift will benefit the Dean’s Fund for Excellence in the College of the Arts, providing critical support for master classes, workshops, scholarships and conference travel. Stewart gave an additional $100,000 to the fund, which will offer immediate support for students.
As a music student at Cal State Fullerton, Stewart saw firsthand the difference that philanthropy can have on the college experience. With support from the Dean’s Fund for Excellence, Stewart attended the national convention for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, one of the largest music fraternal societies in the world.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to support the same fund that helped me as a student,” said Stewart ’87 (B.M. music-keyboard). “I’m so impressed with the students today. They are remarkable, and they give me hope for the future.”
Arnold Holland is the first to hold the honorific title of Douglas G. Stewart Dean of the College of the Arts.
“This incredible support will provide many more students with opportunities to engage in high-impact classroom activities as well as have access to guest artists, academic conferences and support for research projects,” said Holland, who has led the college since 2021.
“This extraordinary gift will leave a legacy at Cal State Fullerton, providing students with valuable learning opportunities and experiences that enhance their education,” added Sean Walker, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The impact will extend far beyond their university years, following them into their careers and future endeavors.”
Stewart said he chose to give back to Cal State Fullerton for the same reason he chose to attend the university — he was impressed by its music programs and the expertise of its faculty.
“The School of Music offers conservatory-level quality in a public university setting, which is really unique,” he said.
CSUF’s College of the Arts sets itself apart as one of the only Southern California public universities to own its performing spaces, giving students many opportunities to build their portfolios through concert hall and stage experiences.
More than 65% of music alumni stay in the region after graduation and contribute to Southern California’s vibrant music scene, with more than 50% working in education, according to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning.
“Cal State Fullerton graduates compete with the best of the best and serve our local community as music educators,” Stewart said.
Stewart’s career spans more than three decades of raising funds for higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as president and CEO of Marts & Lundy, a global strategic consultation firm focusing on fundraising and philanthropy.
He has been giving back to his alma mater for more than 30 years, including serving on CSUF’s Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors.
Previously, Stewart established the Douglas G. Stewart President’s Scholars Fund for Excellence Endowment to strengthen CSUF’s President’s Scholars Program, which supported his education with a full, merit-based scholarship.