Wexner

Wexner is a surname of Jewish origin that is associated with notable American individuals and philanthropic institutions. The name is most prominently linked to Leslie H. Wexner (born 1937), an American businessman who founded The Limited in 1963 and built L Brands, a retailer group that has included Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. Wexner is also a significant philanthropist, supporting Jewish causes, education, and the arts. He established the Wexner Foundation to foster nonprofit leadership and Jewish community initiatives.

Institutions named after the Wexner family include the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University, which opened in 1989 on the OSU campus following a major gift from the family. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the university’s major teaching hospital and clinical campus, carries the Wexner name due to philanthropic support from the family.

Beyond these, the Wexner name appears in various charitable programs and foundations that support arts, education, and Jewish life. The name remains closely associated with Columbus, Ohio, and with the broader U.S. philanthropy landscape through the activities of the Wexner family.