A Man of Vision

In the case of Leonard A. Lauder, W’54, you just need to know that his thoughtful and strategic vision led the way. For decades, Lauder devoted time and resources to supporting the University of Pennsylvania with a keen ability to see what was needed in the moment and take action.

In June 2025, Lauder died at the age of 92. The renowned Penn alumnus was many things: a giant of business who grew The Estée Lauder Companies, founded by his parents, into a global cosmetics powerhouse; a lover of art, who collected one of the world’s finest collections of Cubism and then donated it to the Metropolitan Museum so others could enjoy and learn from the art; and a devoted philanthropist, whose support had a profound impact on the University of Pennsylvania and its students, as well as on many other causes dear to his heart.

It is impossible to overstate Leonard Lauder’s impact at Penn. He has shaped our campus landscape and created new paths for students to find their passions and use their knowledge for the good of others. We are deeply grateful to Leonard for his vision, leadership, and commitment to Penn’s educational mission.”J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
President, University of Pennsylvania

In addition to his philanthropy, Lauder was a dedicated volunteer leader, serving on the University’s Board of Trustees, where, for decades, presidents, deans, and other campus leaders relied upon his forward-looking insights.

Lauder’s foresight changed the landscape of the University—literally. In 2016, he and his family supported the creation of Lauder College House, Penn’s first residential building designed specifically as a college house. This architecturally striking new building created a unique environment where students could live and learn together. As Lauder had hoped, it became as iconic as the Quad itself.

This year, Lauder College House is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a host of events, including the announcement of a new Citizenship Lab, which will start in the spring. The program will encourage students to think deeply about Pennsylvania as a state and will offer them opportunities to delve into issues in local government, after which they will share presentations on what they’ve learned.

Leonard Lauder and his family were committed to fostering the idea of active citizenship at Lauder College House. Their vision was to build a community that was engaged with the city of Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania, and the world.”Campbell Gray
Faculty Director and Professor of Classical Studies

Years ago, Leonard Lauder helped change the way we think about the study of business. In 1983, Lauder and his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, W’65, created the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies in honor of their father. The Institute gives students the opportunity to pair their Wharton MBA with a Master of Arts in International Studies. A long-time member of the Institute’s board, Leonard Lauder continually impressed upon Penn the importance of international awareness to round out a business education.

“Leonard Lauder had a passion for global education, foreign languages, and cross-cultural dialogue,” says Jules H. van Binsbergen, the Lauder Chair Professor and Anthony L. Davis Director of the Lauder Institute. “He understood that success in the global business world required not just financial acumen, but cultural fluency.”

Most recently, in 2022, Lauder saw the opportunity to improve access to health care across the country. He made a transformational gift to Penn Nursing, which created the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he observed the fault lines deepening in the American health care system and knew that immediate action was critical. His support created a tuition-free program that recruits and educates individuals who become nurse practitioners and then go on to provide primary care in underserved communities throughout the United States.

There is a critical shortage in primary care providers across the country. Leonard Lauder recognized that need, and graduates of this program are already making a vital impact on health equity in vulnerable communities.”Antonia Villarruel
Dean, Penn Nursing

Morgan Bacon, Nu’22, GNu’26, of Philadelphia is part of this year’s cohort of Leonard A. Lauder Fellows, and her focus is adult gerontology. “This fellowship has validated my commitment to advancing health education, equity, and patient advocacy,” says Bacon. “I am inspired by Mr. Lauder’s mission to foster academic excellence and to expand one’s own viewpoint.”

Recent graduate Greta Morrissette, Nu’21, GNu’24, started a nurse practitioner residency at Unity Health in Washington, D.C., where she is honing her skills and providing care to residents. “The Lauder program has provided me with an incredibly well-rounded education,” says Morrissette. “I am a better provider because I did not need to worry about working to afford tuition—I was able to focus on studying and my clinical rotations.”

Beyond Lauder’s support of student fellowships, faculty chairs, breast cancer research, and so much more, he also built deep, lasting connections across the University.

He knew many graduates of the Lauder Institute over the years and enjoyed hearing from nursing students in the program he funded. He also kept strong relationships with Penn faculty and administrators. Known for both his charm and his avid listening skills, he made everyone feel that he knew them personally.

Perhaps the greatest example of Lauder’s vision is in the day-to-day as it unfolds at Penn: undergraduates having discussions in the courtyard of Lauder College House, graduate students learning about cultures around the globe at the Lauder Institute, and nurse practitioner students mastering tools to serve communities in need of primary health care. Thanks to the legacy of Leonard Lauder, that vision will continue for many years to come.