History

Seven decades ago, Maxwell F. Marcuse, an authority and pioneer in the fields of education and fashion, was asked by leading retailers to create an educational institution for the business of fashion and merchandising. In 1939 Mr. Marcuse, in association with two colleagues from the fashion industry, founded what was originally known as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM) and as of August 2009 became LIM College.

Mr. Marcuse brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to establishing LIM College. In addition to holding several advertising positions with prominent retailers such as R.H. Macy's, Mr. Marcuse lectured on retail advertising, sales promotion, and fashion merchandising. He was also the author of several books on retailing. Mr. Marcuse's background was instrumental in incorporating hands-on training and practical work experience as the foundation of LIM College's mission.

Maxwell F. Marcuse’s son, Adrian G. Marcuse, joined LIM College in 1962 and assumed the presidency 10 years later. In his 40 years at the College, he 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.

LIM College’s current President, Elizabeth S. Marcuse, is the third generation of the founding family to hold this position. With a background that includes nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, President Marcuse brings fresh insight to LIM College’s mission. Under her leadership the College has experienced significant strategic growth and greatly expanded its physical plant and academic offerings, most notably with the addition in 2009 of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with concentrations in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship.

President Marcuse’s vision for the future is to continue to keep LIM College in the vanguard among students and industry executives as the leader in fashion-related education through the integration of academic excellence and experiential learning. And as the College grows and evolves, it remains true to its mission of keeping class sizes small and personal. LIM College will always be committed to providing the best resources available to educate students for rewarding careers in the business of fashion.