David Steward

“I love my employees and show them through my actions.”

“When I engaged the team at Mitchell Wall, it was clear from the beginning that this was a very special architectural firm.”

“Thelma and I are excited to work with UMSL around our shared passion for jazz and education and make this initial investment to establish the institute.”

“As the only African American NASCAR driver in over 40 years, we have been honored to support Bubba Wallace.”

“During the struggles, the one thing I remember was the continued support from my wife. I was running up phone bills and did all kinds of things to begin the process. When times were bad we bought food with credit cards. We had bill collectors calling. We maneuvered through this together.”

“My biggest obligation is to serve the people of this organization, and to serve them well. I serve them with the best benefit packages, whether it's health care, dental or a 401(k) plan. I support them with the tools they need to be the very best they can possibly be.”

“Investments in diversity are critical for the long-term viability and future competitiveness of WWT.”

“We used to go to the jazz fest in Kansas City. And my mother and father took me.”

“The spirit of St. Louis as I view it from my lens is a spirit of giving.”

“There have been some doors opened to us as a result of our being a minority-owned business. But that's not going to sustain us over the long term.”

“We intend to pursue future gifts to exceed $8.1 million in conjunction with UMSL, Jazz St. Louis and the business community to ensure perpetual growth and a sustainable impact to the education of St. Louis children and beyond.”

“I have not seen a community more giving than St. Louis.”