Lewis B. Cullman

Lewis B. Cullman was an American businessman and a transformative philanthropist whose strategic giving profoundly impacted major cultural, scientific, and educational institutions. A pioneer in the field of leveraged buyouts, he amassed a fortune which he dedicated to supporting the arts, scientific research, and public gardens. His philanthropic philosophy emphasized creating permanent, named endowments to ensure long-term institutional stability and public access.

Early life and education

Born in Manhattan, he was the son of Joseph Cullman, a prominent tobacco executive who led the General Cigar Company. He was raised in a privileged environment in New York City and attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones society, before going on to complete a Master of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. His education was interrupted by service in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, where he served as a meteorologist in the China-Burma-India Theater.

Business career

After the war, Cullman initially worked in the family tobacco business but soon ventured out on his own. He became a seminal figure in the early days of the leveraged buyout, founding the investment firm Cullman & Co. His most famous deal was the 1964 acquisition of the Orkin Exterminating Company, which he purchased for $62.4 million and later sold for a significant profit. He also served as chairman of the Atari corporation during a period of its early growth and was involved with other companies like Philip Morris. His acumen in finance and corporate takeovers established the wealth that would later fund his extensive philanthropy.

Philanthropy and cultural contributions

Cullman and his first wife, Dorothy Cullman, became among the most significant cultural philanthropists in New York City. A principal beneficiary was the American Museum of Natural History, where their gifts established the Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe, and endowed scientific research. He was a major donor to the New York Public Library, funding the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers. Other major recipients include the Museum of Modern Art, where he funded the Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, and the New York Botanical Garden, home to the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Rare Book Room. His giving extended to Yale University, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Library of Congress.

Personal life

Cullman was married to Dorothy Cullman, an accomplished horticulturalist and garden writer, from 1942 until her death in 2009; their partnership was central to his philanthropic vision. In 2010, he married philanthropist Michele L. Cohen. He was the brother of Joseph F. Cullman 3rd, the longtime CEO of Philip Morris. An avid bridge player, he achieved the rank of Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League and was a generous supporter of the game. He resided for many years in Manhattan and maintained a home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Legacy and honors

Lewis Cullman's legacy is cemented in the named spaces and endowed programs across many of America's premier institutions. He received numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 2001, presented by President Bill Clinton. He was also awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Museum of Natural History. His approach to philanthropy, detailed in his book *Can’t Take It With You: The Art of Making and Giving Money*, inspired a generation of donors to take a strategic, hands-on approach to their giving, ensuring his impact endures well beyond his lifetime.

Category:American philanthropists Category:American businesspeople Category:Yale University alumni Category:Harvard Business School alumni