John Stewart, a 2001 industrial engineering graduate, is one of 12 Penn State alumni to receive an Alumni Achievement Award this year for their professional success.
The award, given to prominent alumni 35 years of age or under, is presented by the Penn State Alumni Association. Alumni must be nominated by an academic college or campus. They are invited by the president of the University to share their expertise with students and community members on campus.
Each award winner will receive a commemorative medal at a dinner ceremony April 8 at the Nittany Lion Inn. Recipients will also attend an event April 7 for students, sharing insight on their successes both in life and their industries.
Stewart serves as executive director of International Digital Cinema Operations for 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles. He has spearheaded the transition from film projectors and reels to digital servicing and movie distribution. He also works to negotiate contracts with international partners to implement this changeover in more than 65 markets around the world.
Stewart has a leadership role in this significant industry-wide change that is driving digital adoption at both film studios and theaters worldwide. Fewer than 10 people in the film industry hold positions similar to his, and he is the youngest.
Prior to joining 20th Century Fox, Stewart spent three years working for NBC Universal as a member of its corporate strategy team focusing on digital strategy and operations.
In addition to his Penn State engineering degree, Stewart earned an master of business administration degree from the University of Southern California, Marshall, where he now serves on the leadership board of Marshall's Business of Entertainment Alumni Association.
Stewart is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association. He lives in Santa Monica, Calif., with his wife, Rachel.