Walter L. Stewart received the bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1910 and the bachelor of law in 1912. He was admitted to the Iowa Bar that same year and began practicing law in Des Moines. He is now a senior member of the Des Moines law firm of Stewart, Garrett, Heartney, Jones and Watts. Mr. Stewart was vice chairman and is now a member of the board of Central National Bank and Trust Company, a director of the State Automobile Association, past president of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, and a past member of the UI Board in Control of Athletics. He is presently a member of the board of directors of the University of Iowa Foundation.
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.