The Miami Herbert Business School honors the legacy of two University of Miami alumni, Patti McBride and Allan Herbert. Their generous donations to the institution have left an indelible mark on business education at the University of Miami.
In 2019, the former University of Miami School of Business Administration was renamed the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School, commonly called the Miami Herbert Business School. The school emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with practical skills and a hands-on understanding of business operations.
Established in 1929, Miami Herbert Business School has evolved into a contemporary institution offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral business programs. Situated in Miami – a city dubbed the crossroads of the Americas – in the US state of Florida, the school capitalizes on its unique location to immerse students in a rich multicultural setting. Its location is a gateway to both North American and Latin American business landscapes and cultures.
In 2019, the institution’s name was altered to recognize a monumental $100 million pledge from University of Miami alumni Patti and Allan Herbert, marking the largest individual contribution in the University’s history. So, the question arises: Who are Patti and Allan Herbert, and what fuels their profound commitment to the University of Miami?
Patti McBride and Allan Herbert first met in 1954 on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus, where they were both business students. For Allan, it was “love at first sight.” But they didn’t start dating until they happened to run into each other at a theme park in California. Allan thought the change encounter was fortuitous, and he was determined to win her heart. He succeeded and the couple got married in 1958. They eschewed a large wedding and instead used their money to finance a honeymoon in Europe.
After graduating, both Patti and Allan emerged as prominent figures in business and philanthropy within the Miami community. Allan Herbert carved out an impressive career in the insurance industry, showcasing exceptional leadership capabilities.
Meanwhile, Patti Herbert made a name for herself real estate. “She was an amazing woman with fantastic ideas, someone who knew how to motivate people,” Allan says of his wife of 62 years, “I often felt I should be called Mr. Patti McBride.”
The Herberts’ philanthropic endeavors have supported numerous initiatives at the University of Miami, with a particular emphasis on student scholarships and wellness facilities.
The Herberts’ record-breaking donation to the business school was a game-changer. This substantial financial infusion has bolstered scholarship funds, allowing the school to draw and cultivate premier student talent. Concurrently, it lures renowned faculty, cultivating a research-oriented environment that propels business insights, theoretical advancements, and groundbreaking innovations.
Their magnanimous endowment supports the ongoing evolution of Miami Herbert Business School, enhancing its academic curriculum, research initiatives, and infrastructural growth.
Miami Herbert Business School has produced a myriad of successful alumni. These graduates have made noteworthy contributions across diverse sectors, showcasing the versatile impact of an education from Miami Herbert Business School.
Lyor Cohen, Google and YouTube’s Global Head of Music, earned a degree in global marketing and finance from the University of Miami School of Business in 1981. Today, Cohen stands at the intersection of technology, business, and audio entertainment. Cohen’s substantial contributions to the music industry highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation. These are critical values bolstered by the Miami Herbert Business School.
Dany Garcia, a 1992 University of Miami’s School of Business graduate, has carved out an impressive career path showcasing her leadership and entrepreneurship skills across various industries. From her tenure as the former chairwoman and owner of the XFL professional football league to her accomplishments as a film producer and past managerial role for Dwayne Johnson, Garcia embodies the vast possibilities available to Miami Herbert alumni.
Ralph Alvarez, famous for his extensive experience in the restaurant sector, graduated from University of Miami School of Business in 1976. He notably served as the chief operating officer for the fast-food giant McDonald’s. Alvarez’s accomplishments highlight the leadership prowess and business insight fostered by a Miami Herbert education. Since July 2017, he has played a pivotal role as an operating partner at a leading global private equity firm.
Building on the legacy of Patti and Allan Herbert, the Miami Herbert Business School strides confidently into the future. The impact of the Herberts’ munificent donations bolsters the school’s ability to cultivate top-tier education, pioneering research, and meaningful societal impact.
Miami Herbert is positioned to continue developing leaders who will influence the contours of global business. Committed to evolving, the school continues to leverage its distinctive assets: a hands-on learning approach, a rich multicultural environment, and a strategic location at the crossroads of the Americas.
To learn more about University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School check out their profile page. You can learn about the school’s location, accreditations, programs, scholarships, and the Miami Herbert Huddle Podcast.
