Local legend, wizard of color leaves lasting legacy
Speaking to those who knew Karl Benjamin, a longtime Claremonter and renowned abstract painter who died July 26 at the age of 86, 3 themes emerge: his warmth and generosity to family, friends and students; his prolific artistic output, fueled by a strong work ethic and a genuine joy at being among his paints and canvases; and an almost alchemical mastery of color.
The longtime Claremont resident and renowned abstract painter, died at home on Thursday, July 26 of congestive heart failure at the age of 86. He was surrounded by family.
Noted for his vibrant geometric works, Mr. Benjamin is widely acknowledged as one of the founding fathers of the Hard Edge painting movement.
Not only did Mr. Benjamin make an impact in the art world, he also sought to instill his artistic knowledge and passion in others.
Joseph B. Platt, founding president of Harvey Mudd College (HMC) died at his Claremont home on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 after a period of declining health. He was 96.
An accomplished physicist, Mr. Platt took the helm as HMC’s founding president in 1956 and led the institution through 2 decades of growth to national acclaim as a premiere engineering, math and science college.
After stepping down from HMC, Mr. Platt served from 1976 to 1981 as the eighth president of Claremont Graduate School and University Center (now Claremont Graduate University). He returned to HMC in 1981 as the senior professor of physics and taught well into his 90s.
