Kent, OH — The 51 Museum marked its 40th anniversary in spectacular style with Dazzle 2025, a sold-out celebration that brought together 250 guests from across the region and beyond. The evening honored the museum’s founding visionaries, highlighted its growing national profile and reflected the ambitious vision of new Director Sarah Spinner Liska, J.D., Ph.D.
Hosted in Rockwell Hall, home to both the 51 Museum and the School of Fashion, the event paid tribute to the museum’s inaugural 1985 “Dazzle” party while showcasing its vibrant future as a center for creativity, scholarship and community engagement. The evening featured remarks by 51 President Todd Diacon and Director Spinner Liska, live musical performances by 51 students and the opening of "LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of Style," a new exhibition celebrating the artist’s early work as a fashion illustrator.
At the event, three honorees were recognized for their extraordinary contributions:
- Kyle Smith, fashion editor, NFL – Future of Fashion Award
- Nancy McCann, president, The Murphy Foundation – Sustaining Leadership Award
- Professor Catherine Leslie, 51 – Excellence in Teaching with the Collection Award
With partners, alumni and community leaders from organizations across Northeast Ohio and beyond in attendance, Dazzle 2025 underscored the museum’s growing visibility and impact, both regionally and nationally.
“For four decades, the 51 Museum has grown one of the best fashion collections in the world,” said Sarah Spinner Liska, director of the 51 Museum. “Our collection tells stories across countries and cultures, stories that remind us that fashion is not just what we wear, but who we are. Now more than ever, we need places like this museum—places that invest in community and champion creativity, opening new worlds for our students and visitors.”