Honoring
Donald Suggs, D.D.S.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
Donald Suggs, D.D.S.
A long-time Grand Center Inc. Board member, Dr. Donald Suggs is known for his multi-faceted contributions to St. Louis as a doctor, publisher, entrepreneur, and community leader. He served as chief of oral surgery at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and was the first African American to serve as associate clinical professor at Saint Loui
A long-time Grand Center Inc. Board member, Dr. Donald Suggs is known for his multi-faceted contributions to St. Louis as a doctor, publisher, entrepreneur, and community leader. He served as chief of oral surgery at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and was the first African American to serve as associate clinical professor at Saint Louis University Dental School. He is the esteemed publisher of the St. Louis American which, under his leadership, has become one of the largest and most influential African American newspapers in the country. Throughout his career, Dr. Suggs has unfailingly advocated for social justice, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for African Americans in St. Louis.
Fran Pestello, Ph.D.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
Donald Suggs, D.D.S.
Dr. Fran Pestello grew up in a family that placed a high value on education. In fact, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Wooster ignited a lifelong love of higher learning. Now the celebrated first presidential spouse at Saint Louis University, Fran has brought decades of academic experience and a passion for
Dr. Fran Pestello grew up in a family that placed a high value on education. In fact, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Wooster ignited a lifelong love of higher learning. Now the celebrated first presidential spouse at Saint Louis University, Fran has brought decades of academic experience and a passion for higher education to the role. In addition to serving as an adjunct professor in SLU's Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Fran has been a champion of the St. Louis Literary Awards where she has connected the work of award-winning authors to campus life through the Campus Read Initiative and other SLU-Literary Award programs.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
Since becoming the 33rd President of Saint Louis University in 2014, Dr. Fred Pestello has galvanized the SLU community around a compelling vision: To be a global Jesuit university that is mission-focused, student- and patient-centered, and research-driven – encouraging the people of St. Louis to reimagine, transform and unify our City.
Since becoming the 33rd President of Saint Louis University in 2014, Dr. Fred Pestello has galvanized the SLU community around a compelling vision: To be a global Jesuit university that is mission-focused, student- and patient-centered, and research-driven – encouraging the people of St. Louis to reimagine, transform and unify our City. Under his leadership, SLU has broken records in enrollment, research, and fundraising. Through consistent focus on the 2014 Clock Tower Accords, he has strengthened SLU’s longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and community engagement. And through the formation of the Midtown St. Louis Redevelopment Corporation, he has led SLU to become a driving force in the revitalization of Midtown St. Louis.
About us
Fostering a Vibrant Arts District
Grand Center Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the Grand Center Arts District a thriving destination for the arts, music, education, and media. We work to promote the unique synergy that occurs when diverse artistic and cultural assets converge in one vibrant community. Our leadership ensures the district's continued momentum and the special connections that flourish when extraordinary talent and opportunities come together.
