Articles

A Message from Lowell on the Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography

December 02, 2014

Dear friends and colleagues,

I wish to share with you some exciting and meaningful news. The long-envisioned Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography at Art Center College of Design was officially announced today as an integral part of Art Center College of Design’s mission and strategic plan for the future.

My beloved wife Leah – a world-renowned letterform expert, graphic designer and, perhaps above all, consummate educator and advisor– knew of my commitment and work to establish this Center and was especially pleased to see its evolution. I can imagine no better way to honor Leah’s life’s work than by the contributions this Center will make to elevate the future of typography in the visual universe around us through education and experimentation at the highest levels.

Leah Hoffmitz Milken

As a former student wrote upon her passing:

"Leah made it clear from the start that while effort is commendable, the world would judge us by our results, the polish of our craft and the sharpness of our thoughts.The next time we confidently stroll into a meeting with a client, the next time we give a lecture, the next time we receive an award, we should remember that we owe the stride in our feet, the clarity of our convictions and the joy of our accomplishments to the efforts of those who guided us."

And on that note, I just want to say, thank you Leah.  We'll keep doing what we love, and we'll be doing it knowing that you helped make that possible.  The mark you painted on all of us will always be there.

To that I would add my thanks to Art Center President Lorne M. Buchman, faculty, students and alumni for this commitment to excellence in the visual culture that impacts us all.

Sincerely,
Lowell Milken
Chairman, Lowell Milken Family Foundation