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Long-time FIU benefactor Dr. Herbert Wertheim received the 2011 International Horatio Alger Award in recognition of his personal and professional accomplishments, despite humble and challenging beginnings.
After accepting the award on April 8 in Washington, D.C., Wertheim was formally inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. The 11 other inductees that night included Leonardo DiCaprio, the actor and film producer; Roger Eugene Ailes, chairman and CEO of FOX News Channel and chairman of the Fox Television Stations Group; and Michael R. Bloomberg, mayor of the City of New York and founder and owner of Bloomberg, L.P.
“I am humbled by this honor,” Wertheim said. “The challenges I have faced in my life motivated me to give back to the community.”
Wertheim, who dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and joined the U.S. Navy, overcame dyslexia and poverty as a South Florida youngster to become an engineer, optometrist, educator, inventor and entrepreneur with hundreds of patents, trademarks and copyrights to his name.
He has made important discoveries in the areas of eye care and visual neural-physiology that have helped dyslexics and persons affected with retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. His inventions have protected millions from serious eye diseases that include cataracts, corneal dystrophy and macular degeneration.
“Dr. Wertheim is an extraordinary role model of strength and perseverance to our students and community,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “He is an inspiring individual, who has succeeded in spite of adversity and has encouraged young people to pursue their dreams through higher education.”
In 2009, Wertheim announced a $20 million gift to the FIU College of Medicine, the largest cash donation in university history. The gift was eligible for the State of Florida’s Major Gifts Challenge Grant Program, making its total impact $40 million. In recognition, the college was named the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
Wertheim’s support of FIU dates back to 1988, when he joined the FIU Foundation Board of Directors. A few years later he became Chairman of the Board. In the early 1990s, he spearheaded the planning process for the FIU medical school.
In 2009, the FIU Board of Trustees voted to recognize Wertheim as Founding Chairman of the College of Medicine and Trustee Emeritus of the University’s Board of Trustees. He served on that board from 2001 to 2006.
Over the years, Wertheim, his wife Nicole, and their Dr. Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation have made many contributions to the university. In 1991, the Wertheims envisioned and donated to the construction of the Wertheim Conservatory and Lecture Hall, used to study tropical plants and photosynthesis under controlled conditions. In 1993, Wertheim established a visiting professorship in the College of Business Administration to bring to campus distinguished lecturers and experts in the field of entrepreneurship.
Two years later, the family’s generosity extended to the fledgling performing arts program and, in one of the largest gifts to the university at that time, provided the means to expand facilities and provide scholarships to recruit top students. The Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center is currently a signature building used by students and members of the community alike. The Wertheims also funded the construction of the concert hall’s extraordinary pipe organ, named in memory of Wertheim’s late mother, Sydell Ida Wertheim.
Media Contact: Maydel Santana-Bravo at 305-348-1555.
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