History

Almost 70 years ago, Maxwell F. Marcuse, an authority and pioneer in the fields of education and fashion, was asked by leading retailers to create a college for the business of fashion and merchandising. In 1939, Mr. Marcuse, in association with two colleagues from the fashion industry, founded the private, independent college known as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM).

A graduate of City College of New York, Mr. Marcuse brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to establishing LIM. 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 published books on retailing. Mr. Marcuse's background was instrumental in incorporating hands-on training and practical work experience as the foundation of LIM's mission.

Maxwell Marcuse's son, Adrian G. Marcuse, joined the College in May 1962 and assumed the presidency 10 years later. In his 40 years at the College he kept alive the vision created by his father. Adrian Marcuse successfully took LIM from an institution that granted certificates for a one-year program to a Middle States-accredited, four-year college that grants Baccalaureate degrees.

In June 2001, Elizabeth S. Marcuse, a third-generation member of the Marcuse family, joined the College and in July 2002 she assumed the presidency upon her father's retirement. Prior to joining LIM, President Marcuse was the Director of Retail Planning for Donna Karan International. She has also been a buyer for Montgomery Ward, Lane Bryant and Macy's. With nearly twenty years of experience in the fashion industry, President Marcuse's extensive background and expertise brings fresh insight to LIM's mission.

New York City, the fashion capital of the world, has always been LIM's home. The College was first located at 45 West 34th Street, which at the time was a major center of department and specialty stores. In 1959 the College moved to Fifth Avenue and then in 1965 acquired its current flagship building on 53rd Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues, just steps away from America's most famous designers and specialty stores. LIM takes full advantage of its "campus" in the heart of the world's most exciting city.

As LIM continues to advance into the 21st century, we also continue to make many exciting improvements. In 2003 and 2004 LIM's campus expanded north and east to 54th and 45th Streets. In 2006, a state-of-the-art facility at 545 Fifth Avenue (45th St.) was also added. LIM's 53rd Street flagship townhouse underwent extensive updates and renovations in 2007 and in 2008 LIM brought its student housing under one roof at the brand-new 1760 Third Avenue Residence on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

It is an exciting time of planned strategic growth at the College. Yet as LIM grows, the College remains true to its mission of keeping class sizes small and personal. LIM will always be committed to providing the best resources available to educate students for rewarding careers in the business of fashion.

LIM utilizes an interactive and creative approach that fosters understanding of the relevant issues facing the industry and the global community. Our graduates use that knowledge to pursue rewarding careers.