Press Releases

2024 2023 2022 2021

In Memoriam: Dr. Julius Lesner

MFF's First Executive Vice President and an Educator at Heart


August 24, 2017

Lowell Milken and Dr. Julius Lesner
MFF Chairman Lowell Milken with Dr. Julius Lesner at a Milken Education Conference.

It is with a profound sense of sadness and gratitude that we remember the life and contributions of Dr. Julius "Jules" Lesner who passed away August 22, 2017 at the age of 93. As the Milken Family Foundation's first executive vice president in 1987, and later as senior advisor, Jules played an instrumental role in the growth of the Milken Educator Awards, Jewish Educator Awards, Mike's Math Club and Festival for Youth initiatives, among his many contributions.

"Jules was an educator to his core, bringing the depth of his professional experience as a respected teacher, principal and administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District to a national platform through his work with MFF," said Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken. "He lived his values as a compassionate, caring individual committed to improving the lives of others."

Jules was the recipient of numerous education and community service awards including the Los Angeles Civil Rights Act Celebration Award, which recognized his lifetime contributions to civil rights in Los Angeles. He graduated cum laude from New York University and received his Master of Science and doctorate from UCLA.