Lois Eskenazi, a philanthropist and well-known member of the Bloomington community, passed away Jan. 4 in Jupiter, Florida, at age 92. She is remembered by her husband, Sidney, and their three children, Sandra, Dori and David.
Lois and Sidney Eskenazi are known for their $20 million donation toward the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design. The couple also donated an additional $15 million three years prior for the renovation of the IU art museum, which has since been renamed to the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art.
Peg Faimon, dean of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design, said in a statement the school’s community is mourning Lois’ passing.
“Our hearts are heavy with the news of Lois' passing, Lois was a great friend to our school, and to many of us individually,” she said. “With her lifelong, abiding engagement in visual art, she was personally invested in the success of our school and our students, for which we will always be deeply grateful. Her legacy will live on in the strength of art and design education at IU.”
Founded in 2016 as the School of Art and Design, the school was renamed in 2019 in honor of the Eskenazis’ donation, which supported the construction of the school’s Mies van der Rohe Building. The donation also allowed for the establishment of scholarships, including the Lois Eskenazi Scholarship for incoming freshmen interested in painting as well as a “Fund for Excellence” to support fellowships, visiting artists and scholars, research funding, equipment and other projects.
Mindy Besaw, the Wilma E. Kelley director of the Museum of Art, said she never had the chance to meet Lois but has had the privilege of hearing stories about her impact on both students and the museum.
“The gifts that she and Sidney had given were frankly transformational for the museum. If it wasn’t for their gift, I don’t think we would be nearly as bright and welcoming for students,” Besaw said.
In addition to an outpouring of love for Lois from the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design and Museum of Art, IU President Pamela Whitten said in a statement the entire IU community is mourning the loss.
“She — along with husband Sidney — understood that a great public university strengthens the cultural and civic life of an entire state and acted on that belief with incredible purpose and generosity,” Whitten said in the statement. “Her legacy is evident not only in buildings and programs on our campuses, but also in the opportunities her family created for students to express their creativity, think critically and contribute to their communities.”
A funeral for Lois is planned for 11 a.m. Jan. 15 in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, located at 6501 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis. Her burial will follow at Etz Chaim Cemetery.
