FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Julian Stewart (B.S.C.E. 1957) and his wife, Nana, have generously supported students at the University of Arkansas for years. They knew the next priority area for their educational philanthropy would be Access Arkansas, the university’s current initiative to raise money for need-based scholarships. Because of their belief in helping students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to start or continue their education, the Stewarts have given $100,000 to endow two Access Arkansas scholarships.

“Nana and I have an interest in the students, and it seemed like the right thing to do,” Julian said. “We’d like to do even more than what we’re doing. There is a need, and it’s great to be able to help someone who really needs it. And the way I see it, who knows what they’ll turn out to be? I had to work my way through college, and if my parents hadn’t lived in Fayetteville, I would have had a very difficult time going to college.”

Julian Stewart is the former chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Advisors, and he continues to volunteer as a member of the board. He became involved as an alumnus in 1997 when the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century began. He was invited to join the National Development Council at that time, and he regained an interest in the direction of the institution. Since that time, he and Nana have become very familiar faces around campus.

“Education is so important to the future of Arkansas,” Julian said. “If Access Arkansas helps students — some who will be the leaders of tomorrow — earn a quality education, then I’m all for it. Improving educational opportunities in our state is clearly connected to improving the future of the state overall, and I’m glad we can play a small role in that process.”