In a heartfelt gathering that underscored the pivotal role of philanthropy in academia, the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School recently held its 42nd Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon.
This event celebrates the collaborative spirit of the educational community, uniting donors with students, faculty, and staff to underscore a collective dedication to the institution's future. It features over 120 named endowments and active scholarships, showcasing the impactful contributions and mutual benefits that come from such partnerships.
The luncheon served as a vibrant platform for benefactors to see firsthand the impact of their generosity and for students to express their gratitude. Among the attendees was Dewayne Washington II, a proud Miami Herbert alumnus and North Carolina native, now a JPMorgan employee in Miami's Brickell office. Benefitting from a full scholarship during his time at Miami Herbert, Washington seized the opportunity to give back by announcing the establishment of the Dewayne Washington Executive Business Scholarship, aimed at supporting future generations of students at his alma mater.
“Going forward, I want to assure that future ’Canes have the same opportunities that I did,” Washington said. Let’s work together to ensure that the legacy we leave behind is one of excellence, inclusivity, and balanced opportunity.”
New Yorkers David and Jacqueline Libertoff are proud of the education their son Matthew is receiving at Miami Herbert. They own a Brooklyn food distribution company and started the Libertoff Family Experiential Business Fund, which helps cover expenses for Miami Herbert students interested in gaining more hands-on experience in the supply chain industry.
“There are people here (Miami Herbert) who are trying to expand on their supply chain logistics programs,” Libertoff said. “Being in food distribution, I thought I could help out and meet with the professors and try to establish a foundation for their work.”
The other reason the Libertoff’s became donors, is because “a seasoned supply chain coordinator or manager can make six figures in the food industry. So maybe I can get some young minds to enter the field."
A few tables away from where the Libertoffs sat, smiling scholarship recipient Nina Phan quietly enjoyed her meal. Scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in economics and computer science, Phan had already made plans to start working in August, as a Bloomberg data engineer.
“I have three siblings and one is an undergrad student right now, and the other is in medical school,” Phan related. “It’s been a lot for my parents to handle three students’ tuition, so having a scholarship has meant everything for me and my family.”
Also in attendance was Allan Herbert, who along with his wife, made the naming gift to Miami Herbert in 2019.
“This is probably the most joyous occasion that my late wife, Patti, and myself had the opportunity to attend,” said Herbert.
“I invite all of you, not just my own scholarship winners, but all of you…if you need assistance, if you need guidance, if you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Herbert said. “We’re here to help you, and I think that’s the important part of the donor relationship that we’ve had with our students.
“I urge all of you, as you move down the pathway of life, to continue to contribute to the University of Miami,” Herbert added, “so that other people who are succeeding you can be just as successful.”
