They make a way. - Maryland Institute College of Art

58
PARENT/DONOR PROFILE:
BELIEVING
George & Donna Wiedemann
Greenwich, New York
“We believe in MICA and we believe that what MICA is doing
is enriching our culture.””
When it comes to causes they support, education
has always been at the top of the list for George and
Donna Wiedemann. That’s because they believe that
education is the key to driving civilization forward.
That belief became even more important when son
Spencer began preparing to enroll in college.
The Wiedemann’s looked at other art colleges, but
chose MICA because of its curriculum focused
on ensuring that students are productive artists
even in the course of their art education, and then
are prepared to go on to the meaningful careers.
George’s dad attended the Chicago Art institute,
but George now has an even better appreciation
for the fullness of a high quality art education. It’s
clear, he says, that MICA graduates are successful
because their education has wide application, empowering
graduates to pursue careers ranging from
exhibiting artist to marketer to website designer.
According to George, this century will be one
defined by content. Apple Inc., he points out, is the
most valuable company in the world in part because
Steve Jobs was a “design fanatic” and built a
company that enables people to more easily develop
and share content.
THE WORLD’S APPETITE FOR ART AND
DESIGN EDUCATION IS “EXPLODING,” GEORGE
SAYS, BECAUSE IT IS AT THE CENTER OF
CREATING CONTENT.
George would know. As CEO of the rapidly expanding
U Marketing communications firm, the ability to
create meaningful content for clients is a key element
of the company’s success.
The Weidemann’s passion for art and design
education extends beyond the corporate arena,
however. Extensive travelers, they recognize that
advanced, mature cultures support art and music.
America, in their opinion, could use more artists
and designers.
Spencer, now a student at MICA, is on his way
toward taking his place among America’s creative
class. He finds the creative environment stimulating,
and especially enjoys learning from and interacting
with his instructors. George and Donna are now
Parents’ Council members, and hope that their
volunteer and financial support can help further the
mission of the College and the vision of President
Fred Lazarus IV.