We are deeply saddened to report that Dr. Ralph Lupin passed away this morning. A lifelong lover of the arts, Dr. Lupin was a great friend of NOCCA and an outspoken advocate for the school’s arts training programs for young people.
Sally Perry, Executive Director of The NOCCA Institute, said, “Ralph Lupin was a remarkable, tireless man — one of the busiest people I’ve ever known, but also one of the most generous, passionate, and engaged. More than once, I saw tears in Ralph’s eyes when he spoke about NOCCA and the work that students and faculty do here. He believed firmly in the importance of education and the arts, and the role that both play in improving the city and the state.
“With his family, Ralph helped make NOCCA’s growth and success possible. Year after year, not only did he offer significant financial support, he gave of himself, serving as a president of our board of directors and, after that, as an honorary lifetime member. He was a deeply committed supporter and a loyal friend. Our thoughts are with his wife, Pam, and with the entire Lupin family.”
NOCCA President and CEO Kyle Wedberg added that “”Ralph Lupin put his passion and resources towards ensuring that students at NOCCA would have a space to learn and grow in the arts. The stage lights in New Orleans burn brighter for all of us because of the way this man lived and supported a generation of the arts and artists. We will miss the man, but are graced to be surrounded by his legacy.”
Funeral services for Dr. Lupin will take place tomorrow, Friday, May 2, at Shir Chadash Synagogue, 3737 West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Visitation begins at 11:00am, with the service to follow at 1:00pm For additional information, please visit NOLA.com.
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