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Arthur H. Hertz, a senior member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees, dedicated community advocate, and “treasured alumni leader,” died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
“Art Hertz was a true Miamian who took great civic pride in so many of the institutions that he helped shape and support. The University of Miami has been fortunate to count him among our treasured alumni leaders,” said University President Julio Frenk. “We join our community in mourning his loss.”
Board Chair Richard Fain praised Hertz’s longtime dedication to the University and to the Greater Miami community.
“Miami and the U have lost a genuine champion dedicated to the betterment of our community. His caring attitude, philanthropy, and dry wit made him a presence on the UM Board and the numerous other organizations that helped so many,” Fain said. “Art will be missed, and our thoughts are with the Hertz family.”
A year after graduating with honors from the University of Miami School of Business Administration, Hertz, B.B.A. ’55, became a junior accountant at Wometco Enterprises, Inc., a communications and leisure firm that later owned the Miami Seaquarium. Hertz rose through the ranks to be elected executive vice president and treasurer in 1981, COO in 1983, and eventually CEO and chair of the board, a position he retained up to the time of his death.
Hertz’s lifelong dedication to the University of Miami includes more than 35 years of service and leadership on the Board of Trustees. He chaired the Finance and Audit, Credentialing Review, and University of Miami Hospital Board of Governors committees and provided astute guidance as a member of several other committees.
A proud and active alumnus, he was a former president of the UM Alumni Association, a lifetime non-voting member of the association’s board of directors, and a 1992 recipient of the association’s Henry King Stanford Alumnus of the Year Award. He was a member of Iron Arrow, the highest honor bestowed at the University; Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma, scholastic honor fraternities; and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honorary leadership fraternity.
A veritable humanitarian who strived to help others fulfill their goals, he supported many scholarships and programs throughout the University, including the Arthur H. Hertz Endowed Business Scholarship at the School of Business Administration. He was a generous donor to the Miller School of Medicine—particularly the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS)—both as a trustee of the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation and in his personal philanthropy.
A passionate Miami Hurricanes fan and a fixture at UM football games both far and near, he supported all Hurricanes sports teams with his unbridled spirit and charitable contributions. A founding member of the Golden Cane Society, which recognizes top-level donors to the Department of Athletics, Hertz cared deeply about enriching the student-athlete experience.
"Art Hertz was a champion of the University,” said longtime UM trustee Barbara Hecht Havenick. "He loved sports and academics as well. He attended every event. He was kind, caring, and devoted to his family and the entire Miami Dade community. I am proud to have called him my friend."
Added Senior Trustee Ed Williamson, "Art was a consummate gentleman who didn't have to shout to make his point, was very considerate of others, and a great dad."
In addition to his remarkable commitment to the University, Hertz was a leadership force on numerous community professional organizations and foundations that include the Public Health Trust, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami Parking Authority, Visit Florida, Orange Bowl Committee, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, and Miami City Club. In 2015 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Miami Today.
He is survived by his sons, Andrew, M.B.A. ’96, and Stephen; daughter-in-law, Jana, B.A. ’96; and grandsons Joshua and Alexander.
Memorial donations may be made to the Arthur H. Hertz Foundation, attention Heidy Frank, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, 1450 Brickell Avenue, #2700, Miami, FL 33131.
