One art history class helped change the life of Donald L. Bryant Jr., ’64 — and by extension the life of Denison’s thriving Arts Quad.
While Bryant majored in economics and founded a successful wealth management firm, the class sparked a passion to support art and he became one of the world’s top collectors. When his alma mater was searching for a lead donor to renovate and expand Cleveland Hall, transforming it into a vibrant home for art programs, Bryant stepped forward.
The generous benefactor, who fought back tears at the dedication of the Bryant Arts Center, died March 1, 2025, at 82.
“Philanthropy is such an important part of being an American,” Bryant said at the 2009 dedication. “I appreciate the opportunity to be involved here at Denison to make a small difference.”
After graduating from Denison, Bryant earned a law degree at Washington University and, in 1967, started the St. Louis-based Bryant Group. He raised three children, Derek, Christina, and Justin.
Bryant was an excellent golfer and his love of wine led him to found the Bryant Family Vineyard in Napa Valley, California. But in addition to his family and work, his appreciation for art helped shape his life. He served as a trustee for the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Gallery in London and the St. Louis Art Museum.
In 1993, he took a yearlong sabbatical, moving his family to London, where he studied privately with a consultant from Tate Gallery. His 4,000-square-foot duplex in New York doubled as an art museum in which Bryant and his wife Bettina, a performing artist, film producer and art curator, entertained guests.
After purchasing the New York home, he asked acclaimed architect John H. Beyer ’54 to renovate the property to showcase his collection. The Denison duo combined again to make the Bryant Art Center a reality.
“John said your department respects the past, but has an eye to the future,” recalled Ron Abram, a professor of visual arts and queer studies. “We want to design a building that reflects that.”
Abram, who served as visual arts chair at the time, developed a friendship with Bryant. When professors took art students to New York, Bryant occasionally invited them to his home to tour his priceless collection.
The professor was thrilled to hear Bryant’s vision for the campus art center, which includes studios for painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and photography.
Julie Houpt, vice president emerita for Institutional Advancement, said Bryant was excited to nurture the talents of aspiring Denison artists. In 2014, he received an alumni citation, the highest honor the college bestows on its graduates.
“Don’s vision and generosity sparked the revitalization of the Fine Arts Campus and will impact Denisonians for generations to come,” Houpt said.