Share

In Memoriam:​ A. Alfred Taubman​ (1924-2015)​

In Memoriam:​ A. Alfred Taubman​ (1924-2015)​

He shared with us his vision, generosity, and creative spirit. We are honored to continue his legacy.

It is with much gratitude and fondness that we celebrate the life and legacy of A. Alfred Taubman, our college’s namesake and largest donor. 

Mr. Taubman was one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs. He was recognized as a pioneer and visionary in America’s shopping center industry and is active in a wide range of business, civic, cultural, and educational activities around the world.

In 1999, Mr. Taubman donated $30 million dollars to the College of Architecture and Urban Planning – one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Michigan and the largest ever to a school of architecture at the time.  In recognition of this significant gift, the college was renamed in his honor.  It was his recent gift of $12.5 million dollars that brought us all together on April 15, 2015, as we prepared to break ground on the A. Alfred Taubman Wing.

The new addition built in Mr. Taubman’s name is not just about creating more space, but rather it’s about further solidifying the amazing legacy of architecture and planning at the University of Michigan.  From our start as one of the first universities to offer courses in architecture way back in 1876 to being one of the first in the country to offer a graduate program in urban planning in 1946 to the robust programs of study in architecture and planning that we offer today, we have long been at the forefront of our respective fields. It is transformational gifts like Mr. Taubman’s that will keep us there for years to come.  We are deeply grateful for his ongoing interest in the college and the investments he has made to keep us the “leaders and best.”

His gifts of vision, generosity and creative spirit will continue to empower the next generation of designers and planners. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Mr. Taubman.

A. Alfred Taubman (January 31, 1924 – April 17, 2015)
 

​”On behalf of the entire Taubman College community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of a member of our family, Alfred Taubman. He was a generous friend, mentor, and compass for the college. Mr. Taubman displayed a rare understanding of space and form, and his impact on the college, architecture and culture at large is immeasurable. His kindness and generosity of spirit were boundless and he will be very much missed.”
 – Dean Monica Ponce de Leon

 

April 15, 2015 U-M Taubman College Groundbreaking Ceremony: A. Alfred Taubman Remarks from Taubman College on Vimeo.

University of Michigan’s Statement on Alfred Taubman