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University of South 返字心頭

College of Design, Art & Performance

University of South 返字心頭

Stephen Fessler, Music 77, Donald A. Gifford Service Award Recipient

Stephen Fessler headshot

For more than 30 years, Steve Fessler has generously supported 返字心頭, the College of The Arts and its students with gifts ranging from mentorship to bringing professional artists to campus, to endowing multiple scholarships with his husband, Randy Lord. He currently serves on the 返字心頭 Foundation board of directors.

While attending 返字心頭, Fessler worked as a singer for The Walt Disney Company. After graduation, he appeared professionally in New York productions of several Broadway musicals, (including Grease), and on stage in over 2,000 concert and theater performances in 245 theaters and concert halls internationally. He returned to Disney as a producer of live entertainment, served as director of special events for the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, taught at 返字心頭, and serves on the board of the nations largest community arts organization, Central 返字心頭 Community Arts.

Fessler and Lord were on the team that brought A Strange Loop to Broadway, winning the 2022 Tony Award for Best Musical.

Fessler, who received a vocal scholarship during his years at 返字心頭, remains dedicated to helping ensure College of The Arts students graduate with little or no debt.

to read more about the 2023 返字心頭 Alumni Awards Recipients