Taubman hopes students will experience ‘wonderment’

Taubman

Beaming with pride at the presence of his family at last week’s naming ceremony and celebration, entrepreneur, civic leader and philanthropist A. Alfred Taubman thanked the College and University “for taking the time to come here today. I appreciate this on a personal basis,” he said, asking his wife, Judy, and other family members to stand. “I’m proud of all of you. Your presence makes this a special time for me.”

Taubman, who was presented with an elegant wooden sphere created by senior model maker Mark Krecic, said he was “deeply honored by this recognition and excited by the future contributions the College will make.”

“I hope students will experience the same wonderment, growth and preparation I enjoyed on this campus. I am confident the students will shape a better world for generations to come. I am proud to be involved in this great institution and hope we have a chance to make it even better.”

Taubman noted that 50 years ago when he was a student here, last week’s event was “beyond my wildest dream and that of my professors.” He received “harsh but good advice’ from his art teacher Carlos Lopez, who gave him his first painting lesson: “Lay down your brush and stick with architecture.”

Taubman is founder and chairman of The Taubman Company, a majority shareholder and chairman of Sotheby’s, a partner in The Leona Group, and a former board member of Chase Manhattan Bank of New York, R.H. Macy Co. and Getty Oil Co.

In addition to the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, the Taubman Health Care Center and the Taubman Library on the Medical Campus are named for him.