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Visionary fashion icon and proud Sarah Lawrence alumnus Sam Edelman '73 will deliver the keynote address at Sarah Lawrence College’s 97th Commencement.
For 45 years, Sam Edelman has shaped the landscape of contemporary footwear and fashion, from launching the footwear divisions of iconic brands like Esprit and Ralph Lauren and co-founding Kenneth Cole to now leading a global fashion empire that includes Sam Edelman, Sam & Libby, and Circus NY.
As entrenched as Edelman is in the world of fashion, he is equally rooted in Sarah Lawrence. He is part of a multigenerational family of SLC graduates that includes his parents, his sister, and his cousin, who is married to a two-time alum!
Edelman is deeply committed to the future and the next generation. He and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves to youth mentoring, and his commitment to education is further demonstrated through his sophisticated internship program and college Master Class series, in which he imparts invaluable insights to aspiring fashion students and emerging professionals. Reflecting on his own time at SLC, Edelman credits his background in the liberal arts with shaping his approach to business, which blends creativity with strategic insight.
Sarah Lawrence College’s 97th Commencement will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, under a tent on Westlands Lawn. A hooding ceremony for those graduating from the College’s masters programs will take place the prior evening.