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KSU Benefactor Bernard A. Zuckerman, 91, of Atlanta, died Friday Feb 22, 2013.
Zuckerman was born to parent’s Regina and Joseph Zuckerman in New York, NY, in 1922. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II flying 53 combat missions in the Pacific Theater. For his service, he was awarded both the Silver Star and the Airman’s Medal.
Zuckerman gave the university $2 million for the construction of the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art and donated over 130 works of art created by his late first wife, Ruth V. Zuckerman. Construction on the museum began in Sept. 2012 and has already hosted the 30th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. The museum will officially open later this spring.
Over the last 40 years, Zuckerman has been considered an integral part of the Atlanta community. After cofounding Stratton Industries, a large carpet manufacturer, he contributed to educational and cultural programs throughout north Georgia.
“Mr. Zuckerman remains one of the most important benefactors of Kennesaw State University,” said a press release from KSU.
Bernard A. Zuckerman is survived by his second wife, Suzanne Siegel, of Atlanta and daughters Rowann Zuckerman Gilman and Laurel Bellon.
According to the press release, the museum will be the permanent home of the Ruth V. Zuckerman sculpture collection and will also provide the center of the Arts District on campus. “The KSU community is honored to carry on the mission of Mr. Zuckerman’s vision and generosity.”
A private graveside service will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery and a memorial service will be announced for the coming weeks. His wife has requested that donations be made to the museum in care of KSU Foundation in lieu of flowers.