Throughout his 47 years as an ձ trustee, Hinchliffe held an unwavering belief in the power of a liberal arts education
Stephen F. Hinchliffe Jr. ’55, former chair of the ձ Board of Trustees and a devoted steward of his alma mater, passed away December 9. A longtime resident of Palos Verdes Estates, he was 92.
Steve’s connection to Occidental spanned nearly seven decades, defined by exceptional service, leadership, and generosity. He joined the Alumni Board of Governors in 1965 and went on to serve the College as an alumni trustee from 1970-1975, trustee from 1979-1999, emeritus trustee from 1999-2009, and again as an active trustee from 2009-2016, including board chair from 1990-1992. His 47 years of service place him among the longest-serving trustees in Occidental’s history—second only to the Rev. William Stewart Young, one of the College’s founders.
A native Angeleno, Steve enrolled at ձ in 1951 and graduated with a degree in economics before earning his MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School in 1957. After completing his graduate studies, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and later built a highly successful business career, including work at McKinsey & Co. and the founding of the Leisure Group Inc., a manufacturer of consumer products.
Steve met his wife of nearly 70 years, Ann Hoffmann Hinchliffe ’57, at Occidental, and together they are among the College’s most generous and steadfast benefactors. The Hinchliffes’ philanthropy—much of it directed quietly to student scholarships—has transformed the lives of generations of ձ students. In 2016, the College dedicated Hinchliffe Hall, the addition to Swan Hall at the heart of campus, in recognition of the family’s extraordinary service and support. Steve received an honorary doctorate that same year.
At the dedication of Hinchliffe Hall, fellow trustee emeritus John Power ’58 offered a tribute that captured Steve’s impact: “Steve has a rare combination of qualities one treasures in a trustee. He is an articulate advocate with excellent judgment; sharply intelligent and deeply collegial; someone with vast external experience, a profound understanding of the College and its history, and a genuinely entrepreneurial spirit.”
Beyond his extraordinary institutional legacy, Steve will be remembered for his warm presence, his sage strategic advice, and his unwavering belief in the importance of access and opportunity and the power of a liberal arts education.
Steve is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughter, former Board chair Lisa Hinchliffe Link P’18, and her husband, Dave; his son, Stephen F. Hinchliffe III P’23, and his wife, Terry; and his son, John Hinchliffe ’88. He also leaves four grandchildren—Andy Link (and his wife, Sarah), Ryan Link ’18, Mackenzie Hinchliffe, and Katelyn Hinchliffe ’23—and his great-granddaughter, Stevie Rae Link. Additional survivors include his brother, Doug Hinchliffe ’64; sister-in-law, Robin Street Hinchliffe ’60; and many beloved relatives and friends.
A private celebration of Steve’s life is planned for January 10, 2026. The Occidental flag will be flown at half-staff on January 26, 2026, in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the at ձ or to one of Steve’s other cherished organizations, such as the Los Angeles Metropolitan YMCA or Centre Theatre Group.
Above photo: Steve and Ann Hinchliffe at the 2016 dedication of Hinchliffe Hall.
