Donor Impact Report 2022–2023
Donor Scholarships
The generosity of our donors plays a pivotal role in making ArtCenter attainable for countless students.
When an individual in our network of alumni, friends, faculty, staff, corporate partners and foundations makes a donation–whether a sizable gift to endowment or a more immediate contribution–they exhibit their dedication to broadening access to an ArtCenter education. Donor scholarships serve as a vital bridge, alleviating the financial disparity between a student's standard financial aid package and the actual cost of attendance. Additionally, these funds nurture student achievement, validate hard work and help shape a future where art and design reflect the diversity of our society.
$3,250,813
Total Awarded in Fiscal Year 2023
$1,816,111: New and Renewed Gifts
$7,176: Average Donor Award
453: Degree Students Impacted
161: Donor Scholarship Funds
My daughter is currently studying at ArtCenter and she has received aid from other donors, which has allowed her to keep attending the school. Although my donation is very modest, I believe every penny counts and I feel committed to help others fulfill their dreams.
Guillermo GutierrezArtCenter Parent and First Time Donor
Scholarship Stories
Donor Spotlights
ArtCenter100 Reaches a $2.4 Million Milestone in Support of ArtCenter College of Design
ArtCenter100, ArtCenter’s most impactful fundraising group, has been a beacon of support since its establishment in 1986 by Trustee Emeritus Alyce de Roulet Williamson. The group recently reached a monumental giving milestone of $2.4 million, a testament to their unwavering commitment to our students. In fiscal year 2023, through the generosity of its members, ArtCenter100 proudly contributed another nearly $190,000 in financial aid through its three distinguished scholarships. Our heartfelt gratitude for their enduring dedication and impact extends to Williamson, the ArtCenter100 Board, and its esteemed members, many of whom have gone on to establish their own named endowed scholarship funds.
It was through presentations at Staff Council meetings that I first learned I could give to the Students First Endowed Scholarship. That was compelling, and I came to feel that even a small amount deducted from every paycheck was putting money where I wanted it to go.
Gwen HourihanSenior Coordinator, Transportation Design
Supporting ArtCenter means fostering a community of individuals who relentlessly create a better world and embody a spirit of empathy, creativity and visionary thinking that profoundly enriches our society.
Julian ScaffAssociate Chair, Interaction Design MDes
Co-Chair, Faculty Council
Alumnus Mike Shinoda continues to give to the Michael K. Shinoda Endowed Scholarship
As a passionate supporter of the transformative potential of art and design, Mike Shinoda (BFA 98 Illustration), a distinguished member of ArtCenter's class of 1998 and renowned for his contributions to Linkin Park and Fort Minor, initiated the Michael K. Shinoda Endowed Scholarship in 2004. Shinoda’s enduring commitment to nurturing emerging talent is exemplified by his consistent efforts to expand his scholarship fund, as demonstrated once again with another generous contribution this past year.
Together, we can continue to support the next generation of artists and designers.
Mike ShinodaBFA 98 Illustration
The San Marino League believes in supporting undergraduate students in ArtCenter's Fine Art program.
The San Marino League is a nonprofit organization of women committed to philanthropic work in the community. Since establishing a partnership with ArtCenter in 1976, the San Marino League has donated over $700,000 for scholarship support of undergraduate Fine Art students. In fiscal year 2023, the San Marino League donated $75,000 to the San Marino League Fine Art Scholarship.
Photo Caption: Work by San Marino League Fine Art Scholarship recipient Bryanna Phimphachanh, Graduating Spring 2024
Scholarship Spotlights
Mike Kelley Endowed Scholarship
In the past year, the Mike Kelley Endowed Scholarship emerged as a testament to an unwavering dedication to the College’s MFA students, and the award will soon reach its $1 million goal. This endowed scholarship was spearheaded by the Free Grad Art Initiative within the Graduate Art program at ArtCenter, which has diligently fundraised to establish this award aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of that program’s students. Free Grad Art’s inaugural endeavor, Artists for ArtCenter, held in the summer of 2022, was an auction featuring donated works from ArtCenter alumni and faculty, including esteemed figures like Diana Thater and Stan Douglas, the former and current chair of the MFA program, respectively.
The exceptional generosity witnessed during this event profoundly moved all involved. Notably, the Mike Kelley Foundation, founded by the artist himself (who taught in the College’s Graduate Art program), was inspired to make an unprecedented pledge. Their commitment to match additional contributions from ArtCenter Trustees and other benefactors laid the groundwork for substantial support for Graduate Art students at ArtCenter. This collaboration underscores the continuing impact of fundraising efforts and solidifies Mike Kelley's enduring connection to ArtCenter's mission.
Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Davis Endowed Scholarship
In 2023, the Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Davis Endowed Scholarship was first awarded, honoring ArtCenter alumna Betsy Davis (BS 00 Graphic/Packaging). Created by the Davis family in her memory, this scholarship celebrates Davis' remarkable life. Former President Lorne Buchman once noted the alumna’s ability to "make life,” even when it included her departure from it in 2016 after battling a terminal illness. Thanks in part to the scholarship, Davis' message to live life fully will endure at ArtCenter, inspiring students to confront adversity with creativity.
Lorne M. Buchman Endowed Scholarship for Excellence
Prior to departing from ArtCenter, President Emeritus (2009–22) Dr. Lorne M. Buchman secured his legacy at ArtCenter in perpetuity through the establishment of an endowed scholarship. Funded via his own generosity and that of the ArtCenter community, this fund reflects the unwavering commitment to educational excellence that was a hallmark of Buchman’s leadership.