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By Pulse Staff
Information and photo provided by University news release
What was once known as the Winebrenner building on the University of Findlay campus is now the Stewart Building.
James and Barbara Stewart gave $5 million to the Findlay Fund, according to UF President Dr. Richard Ludwick in a news release, representing one of the most significant unrestricted gifts in the University’s history.
“Their gift will provide general support for the University and strengthen the institution’s mission and future for generations to come,” Ludwick said.
Jim, a 1968 graduate of Findlay College, and his wife Barbara came from Florida for the August 22 celebration along with their three daughters, husbands, and five grandchildren.
“We are so thankful the Stewarts have shared their blessings with the University,” said Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “It is our pleasure to recognize them by naming this building in their honor.”
The building houses the University admissions office as well as advancement and alumni office.
“In addition, the building retains our Christian heritage and UF’s fellowship with the Winebrenner Theological Seminary,” McIntyre said in the news release. “Winebrenner faculty offices are located here, and classes take place often on evenings and weekends.”
UF Board of Trustees member Dr. William Kose, M.D., noted the rich tradition of philanthropy on campus, powered by generous donors like the Stewarts.
According to the news release, Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in psychology. Receiving his draft notice on graduation day, he enlisted in the Air Force Air National Guard at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and served six months during the Vietnam War.
His military service was followed by 20 years in sales and marketing positions at the Ford Motor Company. Then he co-owned a marketing firm with Edsel B. Ford II before moving to Florida, where he became a successful entrepreneur of businesses in automotive services, real estate, fitness, and marketing, and served as a life coach, according to the release.
He credits his lifelong success to the values of hard work and persistence that he learned at Findlay College. He developed a positive, assertive attitude through the discipline of his studies. He likes to quote Henry Ford’s saying: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”
“I’m so grateful to have been here at Findlay, to have studied, to have learned to succeed,” Mr. Stewart said. “Findlay did a lot for me – why not pay it back?”
