Statement on the Passing of Lauder Institute Co-Founder Leonard A. Lauder

Published June 16, 2025

It is with profound sadness that The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania announces the passing of our esteemed co-founder and member of the Board of Governors, Leonard A. Lauder (W’54), at the age of 92.

Mr. Lauder was not only a visionary business leader and philanthropist, but also a passionate advocate for global education, language learning, and cross-cultural studies.

In honor of their father, Joseph H. Lauder, Leonard A. Lauder and his brother, Ronald S. Lauder (W’65), founded The Lauder Institute in 1983. Their vision pioneered a program that has since shaped generations of globally minded leaders through the integration of international studies and business education. Mr. Lauder’s enduring commitment to fostering cultural awareness, global dialogue, and academic excellence has defined The Lauder Institute’s mission for over four decades. Today, the Institute’s joint degree—combining a Master’s in International Studies with a Wharton MBA—has produced over 2,100 alumni who are industry leaders driving innovation around the world.

Mr. Lauder was Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies. In a statement released by the company on June 15, he was remembered as “a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and love… [who] worked throughout his life to promote dialogue among governments, political and non-governmental organizations, and the public and private sectors, believing that this interdisciplinary dialogue is crucial to progress.” This enduring belief lives on at The Lauder Institute, where his legacy is reflected in a close-knit, globally minded community dedicated to learning from one another and giving back—a spirit we proudly refer to as #LauderLove.

“Forty years ago, Leonard Lauder and his brother Ronald had the remarkable foresight to recognize that the most effective business leaders would need to be culturally fluent and globally aware,” said Jules van Binsbergen, Director of the Lauder Institute. “They understood that success in business requires more than financial acumen—it demands an understanding of regional dynamics as well as the global forces that shape how countries and companies interact. Their deep appreciation for the arts and culture also ensured that the Institute would offer a truly interdisciplinary, Renaissance-style education—rooted in Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences, yet designed specifically for business students seeking a broader, more humanistic worldview.”

We mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual whose vision and generosity transformed institutions and lives alike. Mr. Lauder’s impact will forever be felt at The Lauder Institute and across our Penn community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lauder family, his friends, and all those touched by his generosity, wisdom, and warmth. ■