In Memoriam

Mel Leipzig A'56

Mel Leipzig A'56, nationally recognized but deeply connected to his neighbors and fellow artists in Trenton and central New Jersey, died November 1 at the age of 90. The most important thing in Mel's life was his family, but his purpose, passion, and obsession was painting.

Alexander Anthony Solla ME'53

Alexander Solla ME'53 passed away on September 11, 2025 at the age of 97. Al loved bowling, golfing, cooking, playing cards, traveling with family. Al is survived by his two sons, John (Karen) and Eric (Ginny), and daughter Jean.

Arlene Abend A'57

Arlene Abend of Brooklyn, NY passed away on October 17th, 2025. Always drawn to the ocean, she frequented Brighton Beach in her early years. A graduate of the Arts at Cooper Union, finishing her bachelor’s at Syracuse University, her artistic endeavors continued well into her early nineties.

Albert George Henriques AR'57

Albert George Henriques AR'57 of Brooklyn, NY passed on August 19, 2025 at the age of 99. 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.