MIAD educator and co-founder Frank Lukasavitz passes away

Frank Lukasavitz

It is with great sadness that we share the passing on November 7, 2021, of Frank (Francis) Lukasavitz – one of the seven co-founders of MIAD and a lifelong Industrial Design educator, leader, mentor and friend to countless MIAD students, alumni, staff and faculty.

Frank received the first MIAD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, after 50 years of dedicating himself to the education excellence the college embodies today.

“I wanted people to not just walk away with a degree, but to be the best people they can be, just like my goal for the college was for it to be the best college it could be.” –Frank Lukasavitz, 2013

From the Layton School of Art, to the Milwaukee School of Art, to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, from the boardroom to the classroom to the 3D Lab that he helped found and build, Frank contributed to the college’s growth and successes we still see today. Frank taught students that creative fear is a part of growing and hosted students and alumni for weekly dinners in the 3D Lab. He embodied the best of MIAD faculty and their lifelong connection with students and graduates.

MIAD Board of Trustee member Ryan Ramos ’02 was one of Frank’s students. “Frank loved being around young people, especially the students at MIAD. He drew from their energy and we reciprocated by drawing from the eternal youth that was always present, always visible in the glint of joy in his eyes,” Ryan said. 

A memorial service of life celebration will be scheduled in Spring 2022.

Click here to read more about Frank’s lasting imprint on MIAD.