feature
March 27, 2026
By ArtCenter Staff

ArtCenter Mourns the Passing of Trustee Emeritus Alyce de Roulet Williamson 

Philanthropist and ArtCenter100 Founder Remembered as a Joyful Spirit and a Mentor Who Made Immeasurable Contributions to the College

ArtCenter College of Design mourns the passing of Alyce de Roulet Williamson, trustee emeritus at the College and the founder and long-serving president of ArtCenter100. The philanthropist and art and design advocate passed away at the age of 95 on March 16, 2026, at her home in California.  

“Alyce’s contributions to ArtCenter are immeasurable,” said Karen Hofmann, president and chief executive officer of the College. “She was a remarkable leader and a passionate champion of art and design. Her steadfast devotion to our mission and deep belief in our students helped shape the College as we know it today. Alyce was a joyful spirit, an inspiration, and a singular force. She will be deeply missed.” 

“Alyce’s passing is a profound loss for ArtCenter and for all who care about the future of creative education,” said Board Chairman Michael M. Warsaw. “Alyce brought both conviction and generosity to her support of the College, helping to expand access for talented students and strengthening the foundation on which ArtCenter continues to grow.”  

A generous philanthropist and a tireless volunteer leader, Williamson dedicated her life to advocating for the visual and performing arts communities of Los Angeles. She served on ArtCenter’s Board from 1985 to 2022—the first woman to serve on the board, beyond the College’s co-founder Viriginia Adams. She also served on the boards of The Music Center, Los Angeles Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and held leadership positions at many other cultural and educational institutions, including serving on the board of governors of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. 

When Alyce first joined ArtCenter’s Board, she asked then-President David Brown how she could best help the College. The answer was simple: student scholarships. Taking that task to heart, in 1986, Williamson founded ArtCenter100, a group of philanthropists and art and design enthusiasts dedicated to student scholarships. Through its annual scholarship and its ArtCenter100 Endowed Scholarship, the group has raised more than $2.7 million to date. In addition, many members and friends have been inspired to make further significant contributions—establishing their own endowed scholarships and naming campus spaces in support of future generations of artists and designers, bringing additional millions in influential gifts that extend the impact of ArtCenter100’s mission. 

“Creativity is everything,” Williamson once said of the importance of the group’s philanthropy. “I am continually impressed by the talent of our scholarship students, and ArtCenter100 continues to make a meaningful difference in their lives.” 

“Alyce showed us what it truly means to lead with both heart and purpose,” said Terri Kohl, trustee emeritus and co-president of ArtCenter100. “To so many of us, she was a mentor—caring, guiding and endlessly inspiring. Her unwavering belief in ArtCenter’s students and her vision in founding ArtCenter100 created a legacy that will continue to shape lives for generations. It is an honor to carry her visionary spirit forward.” 

In 2006, Williamson established the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Endowed Scholarship to benefit undergraduate Illustration students who demonstrate achievement and financial need. 

Her late husband, Warren “Spud” Williamson, also served as an ArtCenter trustee from 1989 through 1995, including as chair of the board in the early 90s. Together, she and “Spud” personally donated more than $3.6 million and influenced many millions more in philanthropic support for student scholarships; increased the College’s endowment; and secured major support from foundations, including the Times Mirror Foundation and the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Their support greatly influenced the College’s Hillside Campus as it exists today. In 1992, Williamson established the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery, a 4,600 square-foot exhibition space that continues to bring world-class exhibitions to the College and invites students, faculty, staff and the public to engage in a discourse about art and design. 

Williamson also helped make possible a major milestone in ArtCenter’s history—the opening of the College’s South Campus in downtown Pasadena in 2004. She led the opening event at the campus’ Wind Tunnel/950 building, part of ArtCenter’s 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration.  

“Alyce’s leadership as a trustee emeritus and her role in shaping and leading ArtCenter100 reflects a deep and enduring commitment to this institution and its mission,” added Warsaw. “What she gave was not only financial, but deeply personal—an investment in people, potential and possibility.” 

“I think that probably my greatest accomplishment is helping the world discover what a treasure ArtCenter is,” Williamson said in a 2015 interview for Arroyo Monthly, speaking to her special affection for the College. “ArtCenter was sort of a well-kept secret, and I brought it down from the hill. I mean, look how it’s grown. For me, personally, it’s that I have so many young friends, and it’s so exciting and I love what I’m doing. I’m always learning something.” 

The College’s thoughts are with Williamson’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be long remembered for her tireless work on behalf of arts education, her unwavering commitment to ArtCenter’s students, and her enduring legacy of generosity and creativity. 

Gifts in Williamson’s memory can be directed to the ArtCenter100 Endowed Scholarship, the Alyce de Roulet Wiliamson Endowed Scholarship and the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery and Exhibitions Program.