Sam Edelman, a visionary and pioneer in contemporary fashion, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2024 at LIM College's 85th Commencement ceremony. Edelman will also receive LIM's Distinguished Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. The ceremony will be held at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center on May 17 at 9 a.m. ET.
A dominant force in fashion, Sam Edelman has made an indelible impact on some of the most renowned contemporary footwear brands over the past 45 years, including launching the footwear division for Ralph Lauren and Esprit, holding an executive role at Candie's, and co-founding Kenneth Cole.
Inspired by timeless American elegance, Edelman brings an irreverent and on-trend style to his eponymous fashion lifestyle brands, including Sam & Libby, Sam Edelman, and Circus NY by Sam Edelman. Sam and his wife, muse, and lifelong business partner Libby Edelman joined the Caleres family of brands in 2010, establishing the Sam Edelman Division, for which he today serves as Co-Founder and Creative Director.
Over the years, Sam and Libby Edelman have been celebrated with some of the fashion industry's most notable accolades, including Nordstrom's Partner in Excellence, Footwear News' Brand of the Year, and a place in the Accessories Council Hall of Fame.
Said LIM College President Ron Marshall, "Sam Edelman's journey from making products in small new England factories to becoming a global fashion icon—with stores bearing his name throughout the world—is inspiring. We are thrilled he will be with us to share words of wisdom for LIM College's Class of 2024."
Said Edelman, "As a lifelong New Yorker, I know that LIM College is a leader in education within the fashion industry, bringing knowledge and real-world experiences to students who go on to do great things in the business. I look forward to the opportunity to share my story and my experiences with the graduates, which I hope encourages them to pursue their own career dreams with passion."
