$16.9 million gift from Judy Webb to support talented, underprivileged design students—announced by her children

ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena announced a $16.9 million gift from Chair Emeritus Judy Webb and her children.

The donation significantly bolsters the Martha Marsh Chandler Endowed Scholarship, created by Webb’s mother in 1988 to “encourage excellence in design for the future by helping needy students with strong creative potential.”

This gift brings Webb’s total philanthropic contribution to the college to over $24 million and pushes the institution’s endowment beyond $100 million.

“The significance of Judy’s gift cannot be overstated,” said Karen Hofmann, President of the College. “It strengthens ArtCenter’s endowment and sets an inspiring example of philanthropy. By entrusting the College with her estate, Judy has ensured that her mother’s legacy—and her own—will shape the lives of students for generations to come.”

“Judy’s decision to support the Martha Marsh Chandler Endowed Scholarship aligned with her deep understanding of ArtCenter’s mission and needs, which she gained during her decades-long involvement with the institution,” said Melanie Burzynski, ArtCenter’s Senior Vice President of advancement.

With this new funding, the endowment is expected to generate $1 million annually in perpetuity, with funds from the additional gift beginning to be awarded in fall 2025.

Since its inception, the scholarship has helped make it possible for approximately 500 talented students to attend the College.

“A gift of this magnitude ensures that ArtCenter can continue attracting the most talented students, regardless of financial background,” said Tom Stern, the College’s Senior Vice President of enrollment management and student affairs.

“By significantly expanding scholarship support, we are strengthening our ability to recruit and retain the next generation of creative leaders.”

Webb was deeply involved with ArtCenter for decades.

She served on the Board of trustees from 1991 to 2018 and made history as the College’s first woman Chair from 2004 to 2007.

She also participated in numerous committees, including the Advancement Committee, the Board Governance Committee, and the Strategic Study Committee.

In 2018, she received the title of Trustee Chair Emeritus.

Webb gave generously to her mother’s endowed scholarship throughout her lifetime.

Both Webb and her mother were longtime members of ArtCenter 100, a group established in 1986 by Trustee Emeritus Alyce de Roulet Williamson, a family member of Webb’s. The organization is dedicated to supporting student scholarships at the College.

Morgan Schmitz, a scholarship recipient and first-generation student graduating this spring, shared the program’s impact: “This scholarship has not only opened doors for me but has also fueled my determination to succeed against the odds.”

Reflecting on their mother’s gift, Webb’s children—Scott Haskins, Eliza Koeppel and John Haskins—shared the following statement:

“As parents ourselves, with children heading off to college, we understand the high cost of education. It was our mother’s and grandmother’s belief that everyone should have access to higher education. We are filled with pride to know that this gift will help students pursue their dreams at ArtCenter. It’s incredibly moving to know that our mother’s legacy and her boundless appreciation of art and design will carry on.”