ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena says its president will retire

ArtCenter College of Design President Lorne M. Buchman announced Monday that he plans to retire next year after 12 years leading the Pasadena institution, which has grown immensely but also struggled with diversity. It’s made me believe what education can do in all kinds of ways.” ArtCenter board chair Su Mathews Hale said in a statement that the board was “indebted” to Buchman for his “superb and compassionate leadership.” “The college has changed immeasurably over the years,” Mathews Hale said, “and the board commends Lorne for his countless successes as president.” Buchman will stay in his role through June 30, 2022. “It fluctuates because students enroll and graduate and you get a new incoming class, which might not be as representative as the previous class,” ArtCenter spokesman Jered Gold said. “We’re working on it.” Addressing that troubled history, the college formed a Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design in 2018, led by Chief Diversity Officer Aaron Bruce. The board designated a “quasi-endowment” of $25 million in 2011 for scholarships, with an eye toward increasing diversity among incoming students and offering funds to students nearing graduation to help them finish.