Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) will welcome back the Sue Ann Genet Lecture Series with Millard Drexler, chairman, CEO and investor of J. Crew Group Inc., Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. His lecture is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Irving Garage.
The Sue Ann Genet Lecture Series is offered by VPA and was founded by Leon M. Genet '53, a longtime SU supporter and benefactor, who died in 2005. The series was named in memory of his first wife, an artist and sculptor. From 1982-2004, the lecture series brought nationally prominent speakers from fashion, design and retailing to campus. VPA has resumed the series with the assistance of Genet's daughters.
"I'm delighted that Leon Genet's family is helping us bring back the Genet Lecture Series," says VPA Dean Carole Brzozowski. "For more than 20 years, our students benefited from his generosity and the wisdom of the professionals he brought to campus. Now a new generation of students will gain a valuable edge in the industry by interacting with experts such as Mr. Drexler."
Drexler joined J.Crew Group Inc. in 2003 and in less than three years has successfully revitalized the J.Crew brand. He and his team have developed new business opportunities with the launch of Crewcuts, a children's collection known as "the clothes you love, slightly smaller," and Madewell, a new collection of clothes for women. J.Crew became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2006, making it the third-largest apparel retailing IPO in history.
Prior to joining J.Crew, Drexler spent 18 years at Gap Inc., where he grew the company from $400 million to $14 billion in sales. He simplified the brand's product line and invested heavily in provocative advertising, which made The Gap a recognizable, worldwide brand. During the 1990s, Gap became the hallmark of casual attire. Drexler also oversaw the launch of new retail brands Gap Kids, Baby Gap and Old Navy.
Prior to his work with Gap Inc., Drexler engineered a business turnaround at Ann Taylor, while serving as president and CEO. Born and raised in the Bronx, he began his career at Bloomingdale's in 1968. He currently serves as a director on the board of Apple Computers Inc.
For more information, contact Sue Tooley at VPA at 443-7095 or sktooley@syr.edu.
