series 14 - Mortimer C. Ritter records, 1951-1952

Dr. Mortimer C. Ritter served as FIT President from 1951-1952. He is credited with a large part in the development of cooperation between the apparel industry and education in New York City. He was aided in this work by Max Meyer, who had become known as the dean of the fashion industry. Ritter attended Boys High School in Brooklyn and received a Master of Arts degree at the Teachers College, Columbia University. He began his career as a designer of men's apparel. In 1920, he became a teacher of garment design and in 1926, the Board of Education appointed him to create the Central High School of the Needle Trades. He was principal of the High School and then the Director of FIT. In 1951, he was made its first President.