Honoree-
Arthur Leipzig

Arthur Leipzig, a professor emeritus at the C.W. Post Campus, is one of the country’s leading living photographers. His work is in the permanent collections of major museums worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.

In 1968, while shooting for publications like Fortune, Life and The New York Times Magazine, he became a full-time professor of art at the C.W. Post Campus. During his 23-year tenure, Mr. Leipzig built the photography program from the ground up. Focusing on inspiring students, he led field trips to New York City, and gave assignments like round-the-clock picture-taking marathons. He and his wife and agent, Mimi, welcomed students to informal gatherings at their home where the groups would be addressed by the most important photographers of the time, including W. Eugene Smith and Gordon Parks.

A high proportion of Leipzig’s students went on to professional photographic careers. “A Tribute to Influence,” a recent retrospective at Nassau Community College’s Firehouse Art Gallery, included 46 of Leipzig’s images alongside works by 31 of his C.W. Post students. A review in The New York Times commented: “Mr. Leipzig encourages individuality in those he inspires.”

Mr. Leipzig has published several books of his work including “Growing up in New York” and “Sarah’s Daughters.” His artistic and scholarly achievements have earned him recognition in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Art, and have garnered him various awards and grants. Long Island University acknowledged his tremendous talent and dedication, presenting him with two Trustee Awards for Scholarly Achievement and a David Newton Award for Teaching Excellence. The essence of Arthur Leipzig, however, is best captured in the power of his
photographs and the success of his protégés. As photographer Mark Taylor P’72 wrote: “Arthur did not only teach photography. What he taught was sensitivity, compassion and respect.”

The Leipzigs reside in Sea Cliff; they have two children and three grandchildren.

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