The Fund for American Studies is saddened by the death of supporter Ambassador Robert D. Stuart, Jr. on May 8, 2014.  The former Quaker Oats Co. CEO and U.S. Ambassador to Norway leaves behind a legacy of TFAS alumni who have benefitted from his generosity.

Through the Stuart Family Foundation, Ambassador Stuart donated more than $700,000 in scholarships to help TFAS students attend its programs, often supporting alumni of TFAS European programs to attend U.S. programs in Washington, D.C. Stuart also generously gave to the TFAS Council of American Ambassadors Fellowship program, providing scholarships for TFAS students interning at the U.S. State Department.

Stuart was a distinguished public servant, having served as President Reagan’s U.S. Ambassador to Norway from 1988-1989. He also served on the Board of the National Commission on Public Service and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, having been appointed to the latter by both Presidents Bush and Clinton.

Prior to public service, Stuart worked for the Chicago-based Quaker Oats Co. for 38 years, leading the company as its chief executive officer for 15 years. Under his leadership, Quaker Oats saw significant growth, including the expansion of the company beyond oatmeal with the acquisition of Fisher-Price Toy Co.

Ambassador Stuart was a trustee emeritus of Princeton University and the Tax Foundation and a former director of the Benton Foundation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1937. After service in the United States Army in Europe during World War II, he received his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School in 1946.

His leadership, service and generosity will be greatly missed.

You can read more about Mr. Stuart’s life and achievements in The New York Times