City of Columbus

A native of Columbus, Robert Lazarus Jr. served the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from his tour of duty he attended Yale University. After graduation from Yale University in 1950, he has spent his career in the retail business at Lazarus.

Robert Lazarus Jr. has helped to carry on the family tradition and philosophy of the Lazarus name. He has created jobs and a successful career for himself and others in Columbus. His philanthropic philosophy that “Columbus had been good to the Lazarus family and therefore there is a responsibility to “give back to the community,” has been evident in his many accomplishments. Giving back is what Robert Lazarus Jr. has done. As Chairman of the fund raising drive to save and redo the Ohio Theater, he was able to help raise 2.5 million dollars. His efforts with the Ohio Theater and other projects contributed to the major revitalization of downtown Columbus.

Robert Lazarus Jr.’s extensive leadership in Columbus has earned him numerous recognitions. He is the recipient of the Frederick D. Patterson Award from the United Negro College Fund, the Columbus Award by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, the Grace Kindig Award fro the Metropolitan Human Services Commission, Citizen of the Year by Columbus Board Realtors, Equal Justice Under Law awarded by the American Civil Liberties Union, Patron of the Arts Award presented by Columbus Junior Theater of the Arts.

As past President of the Columbus Urban League Robert Lazarus Jr. earned many accolades for his strong commitment to racial justice and homelessness in the Columbus community. His humanitarian commitments to this community still continue.