“Giving back is fundamental to Golden Limousine’s mission and my personal values… It’s about creating a new bottom line that’s not focused solely on profit, but also about lifting the community as a whole.”

Sean Duval is the president and CEO of Golden Limousine International, an Ann Arbor-based private luxury and executive-level transportation service, and one of UMS’s generous corporate supporters. We asked Sean about his background in the arts, favorite UMS moments, and what makes giving back to the community such an important part of his company’s values.

Tell us a little about your background with the arts: First performing arts experience? Did you grow up with the arts or come to them as an adult?

I’ve always appreciated the arts, though my exposure to them grew as an adult. Moving around as an Army brat from community to community and attending various schools in different states allowed me to experience diverse cultural expressions, usually in church or school experiences. However, the exposure gave me an early respect for art in its many forms. It wasn’t until I became more involved in the Ann Arbor community, however, that I fully embraced the performing arts, especially through organizations like the Ann Arbor Symphony, Young People’s Theatre and UMS and later, the Detroit Opera House and Fisher Theatre. Over time, the arts have become an essential part of my life and my family’s life, enhancing our connection to the community.

We see Golden Limousine everywhere in our community. Tell us why is it important for you to give back?

Giving back is fundamental to Golden Limousine’s mission and my personal values. I believe that a strong business community should actively support the environment it operates in. By contributing time, resources, and services, we strive to make the Ann Arbor region vibrant and thriving. My involvement with organizations like the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation or Washtenaw Community College has shown me firsthand the positive impact businesses can have on the lives of our residents. It’s about creating a new bottom line that’s not focused solely on profit, but also about lifting the community as a whole.

What are your favorite UMS performance memories?

Trevor Noah’s Back to Abnormal tour was hands-down one of my favorite UMS moments. His humor was spot-on, and he tackled tough topics in a way that had everyone laughing while thinking. Nothing felt off-limits, and it was refreshing to hear someone just lay it all out there with such sharp humor. I also really enjoyed Fight Night — getting to be part of the action made it a fun and thought-provoking experience. It’s great that UMS brings these kinds of performances to Ann Arbor, in addition to all the great musical selections.

What role do you see the arts playing in the Ann Arbor community?

The arts bring people together, serving as a bridge across different backgrounds and experiences. In Ann Arbor, UMS and similar organizations enrich our cultural landscape, making the community more inclusive and more vibrant. Bringing UMS to Ypsilanti and the Ypsi Freighthouse was a stroke of genius. The arts also foster creativity and innovation — qualities that make Ann Arbor a unique and attractive place to live and work. Golden Limousine is proud to support these cultural efforts. It helps to fuel our local economy with visitors while enhancing the quality of life for all of us.

Golden Limo is a new corporate donor to UMS. What makes you most excited about this new partnership?

I’m thrilled to join UMS as a corporate donor, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing the Ann Arbor community. Partnering with UMS allows us to connect with audiences who appreciate quality, sophistication, and community — a perfect match with Golden Limousine’s values. Beyond financial support, this partnership provides an opportunity for Golden Limousine to serve the community directly, offering comfortable, reliable transportation for events, potentially making the arts more accessible to a broader audience.

How does your support of UMS complement your relationships with other areas of the greater U-M community?

Supporting UMS enhances our commitment to the University of Michigan community, where Golden Limousine has long provided safe, reliable transportation services. We work with U-M athletics, academic departments, and various university events, and now, our relationship with UMS deepens that bond. It’s rewarding to know that we’re not only supporting the logistical needs of the university but also contributing to the broader cultural and artistic life on campus.

Finally, how is it working with your spouse?!

Working with Alina is both a joy and a challenge! She has an incredible eye for detail and a dedication that matches my own, which means we often push each other to be our best. Of course, we have our moments, like any couple working together, but we make it work by respecting each other’s strengths and knowing when to turn off “work mode” and just be a couple. It’s a unique partnership, and I’m grateful to have her by my side in both life and business. Having her support and insight has been invaluable, both personally and professionally. Plus, she’s not afraid to keep me grounded when needed.

Faith and Stephen Brown

Stephen Brown is an alumnus of the University of Michigan (B.A., English, ’66; J.D. ’69), and practiced labor and employment law in Washington, DC and Chicago for 30 years. He and his wife, Faith (B.A. English, ‘69), retired to the San Francisco area in 2001. We spoke with Stephen about his UMS memories, his chance meeting with UMS president emeritus Ken Fischer, and what inspired their gifts to the Forward Fund this past year.

Tell us your fun story of first meeting Ken Fischer, UMS president emeritus.

I was walking down the street in San Gemingano, in Tuscany, and spotted a guy wearing a familiar ‘block M’ cap. I was wearing a similar cap. Naturally, this led to a discussion of our mutual interests. The guy was Ken Fischer, former president of the UMS. It was one of many great encounters I’ve experienced all over the world as a result of wearing a Michigan cap. People have greeted me with “Go Blue” everywhere — from Sydney to Buenos Aires!

Stephen Brown in Tuscany, 2019

When did you start attending UMS events?

I began attending UMS events as a Michigan undergraduate in the ‘60s. It was amazing to have world-class artists so accessible and such a short walk away. I was just discovering classical music back then and the opportunity to attend live UMS concerts really broadened my appreciation and knowledge.

Do you have a favorite or most memorable UMS moment?

I remember paying $1 for a standing room ticket to hear Igor Stravinsky conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra in Persephone at the annual May Festival. I also recall other amazing May Festival concerts, such as hearing E. Power Biggs with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra perform the Saint-Saëns organ symphony at Hill Auditorium and artists such as Joan Sutherland and Rudolf Serkin. And I always looked forward to Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra in “The Victors” at the last May Festival concert of the season.

What inspired your gifts to the Forward Fund?

This was our first donation to UMS, and an opportunity to give back after all our wonderful concert experiences. The Bank of Ann Arbor offered a one-for-one match, which was a nice incentive for us. We wanted to help UMS take full advantage of the match!

Why are the arts so important to our Ann Arbor community?

Ann Arbor may be a relatively small city but it has cultural resources that rival or exceed many major cities. Ann Arbor is often selected as the best college town in the country and one of the best places to live. I believe the arts play an important role in many ways, including attracting top students and faculty and in the ranking and reputation of the University. We hope to play a small part in keeping Michigan on top.

Why should more UM alumni give back to the arts on our campus?

It’s important for Michigan to remain a vibrant and premier University. When I meet other Michigan alumni, the mention of the University and Ann Arbor generally brings a smile and leads to reminiscences about all the great experiences they enjoyed as students. UMS concerts are often a big part of those experiences.

Make a gift to the Forward Fund and support UMS as we safely return to live events. Contributions made before the end of 2021 will help offset projected operational deficits for the next two years that are a direct result of the pandemic.