Fred Lazarus IV, president of Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), is retiring after a 36-year tenure, the longest in Maryland today. A week-long celebration of his contributions to the school and community is being held April 21-27.

Here at Ashton Design, we are feeling particularly nostalgic and lucky to have been along for much of Lazarus' great ride as we were involved in designing environmental graphics for several of his campus improvements while president. Working on projects at MICA has always been a joy for us since a majority of our team members are alumni of the Institute and feel forever connected to their alma mater. We were especially honored to have been asked to memorialize the legacy of President Lazarus by designing the namesake building identification for the recently renovated Graduate Studio Center, now aptly called the The Fred Lazarus IV Center for Graduate Studies.

Ashton Design is grateful to have been a part of the following MICA projects during President Lazarus' tenure:

Founders Green
Legacy Society Donor Wall
Studio Center (now called The Fred Lazarus IV Center for Graduate Studies)

We agree whole-heartedly with MICA's account that Lazarus has "helped reinvent the role of art and design education in academia, society, and commerce..." and "...helped transform Baltimore into a globally recognized center for creativity." As we fondly remember Lazarus' lasting impact and cherish our relationship with MICA, we simultaneously look forward to welcoming MICA's new president, Samuel Hoi, for the next era of this excellent Baltimore institution.

Explore more about The Lazarus Legacy:
Fred Lazarus: 35 years in photos
Fred Lazarus IV, President
Celebrating The Lazarus Legacy: MICA Moments Video Series