The College is mourning the loss of Morton “Mike” Yulman '36, who died Sunday, Aug. 28, at the age of 91.
“I am sad to report that we have lost a steadfast friend and trustee who made a tremendous difference for Union College,” said James Underwood, interim president. “We will greatly miss Mike's close involvement with the College, but we move forward as a much better place as a result of the love, loyalty and support he provided.”
Yulman and his wife, Helen, were longtime benefactors of the College, perhaps most visibly in recent years in the theater that bears their name. The Morton H. and Helen Yulman Theater was dedicated as part of the College's Bicentennial celebration in 1995 as the first facility at the College dedicated solely to theater and performing arts.
“The building — host to hundreds of performances, rehearsals and classes — has done nothing but transform our theater program into one of recognized excellence,” Underwood said.
Among the many gifts to the College from Yulman and his family, the Morton H. Yulman Annual Scholarship, established by his children Richard and Nedra, has provided support to Capital Region students for more than a decade.
The retired president and chairman of Sealy Mattress Company, Yulman earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Union. He served many years as a trustee and trustee emeritus. He received the Alumni Council's Gold Medal for distinguished service in 1980, and one of the College's highest honors – the Founders Medal – in 1988.
He also served on a number of national and local boards, was a charter member of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and sponsored the “I Have a Dream” college scholarship program in his native Albany.