LIM College History
Nearly nine decades ago, Maxwell F. Marcuse, an authority and pioneer in the fields of education and retailing, was asked by leading retailers to create an educational institution for the business of fashion and merchandising. In 1939, Maxwell founded the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), which would officially become LIM College in 2009.
Maxwell F. Marcuse brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to establishing LIM College. In addition to holding advertising positions with prominent retailers such as R.H. Macy’s, he lectured on retail advertising, sales promotion, and fashion merchandising and authored several books. Maxwell’s background was instrumental in incorporating hands-on training and practical work experience as the foundation of LIM College’s mission.
Maxwell’s son, Adrian G. Marcuse, joined LIM College in 1962 and assumed the presidency 10 years later. In his 40 years at the College, Adrian kept alive the vision created by his father and successfully took it from an institution that granted certificates for a one-year program to a Middle States-accredited, four-year college that granted baccalaureate degrees.
Elizabeth S. Marcuse became President of LIM College in 2002. Representing the third generation of family leadership, she spent nearly two decades building a successful career in fashion retailing and apparel manufacturing prior to joining LIM. Elizabeth led LIM College through a period of incredible strategic growth, including overseeing the College’s ascension to become a master’s degree-granting institution, adding several new academic programs, expanding learning modalities, and ensuring the student body is geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse and inclusive of socioeconomic differences.
Ron Marshall became President of LIM College in January of 2024 after serving on the LIM College Board of Directors and acting as a consultant and senior advisor to the College on strategic, financial, and operational matters. President Marshall is a seasoned retail executive, having served as Chief Executive Officer for Borders Group, Inc. and Claire’s Stores Inc., among many executive leadership roles throughout his career.
Today, under President Marshall’s leadership, LIM College is embracing an era of increased globalization, technological advancement, and rapidly emerging new industries. Remaining true to its original mission to educate and prepare students for successful careers, LIM College is a global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle, delivering superior outcomes for students, alumni, and the industry.
The LIM College Campus
LIM College is situated in two buildings in midtown Manhattan: 216 East 45th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) and 545 Fifth Avenue (at East 45th St.) - just steps from some of the world’s most renowned corporate headquarters and retail flagships. Facilities include a comprehensive 5,000-square-foot library, Mac and PC computer labs, an academic resource center, visual and fashion merchandising studios, a color and materials research lab, a photography studio, student lounges, and a cafe. Student housing is offered at FOUND Study - Midtown East (569 Lexington Ave. @ East 51st Street).
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