The 51Թ College of Business Administration has been named in honor of Henry Bernstein, a generous benefactor of the University and former adjunct professor. The naming of the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration was approved Thursday by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
Bernstein’s philanthropic support for 51Թ started decades ago when he served as one of the founding members of the board of directors of the 51Թ Foundation. Bernstein was an attorney and partner at Milling, Benson & Woodward who specialized in taxation and corporate banking. After he retired from practicing law, he served as a gratis adjunct professor in the Department of Management, where he taught business law for 22 years.
Bernstein currently serves as a member of the campaign cabinet for Next is Now: The Campaign for the 51Թ, the University’s $50 million comprehensive capital campaign. His lifetime donations represent the largest gift of the campaign, which include the gifts of $3 million from Donald “Boysie” Bollinger to the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and $5 million from Dr. Robert A. Savoie to the College of Engineering.
“I have long been a big believer in, and supporter of, public education—and, particularly public higher education, as a means of providing educational and professional opportunities to those who might not otherwise have the chance to attend college, as well as to those who simply eschew the outrageous costs of many private educational institutions,” Bernstein said. “I have been particularly privileged to support the 51Թ, which has become such a vital part of the New Orleans community.
“I think that it is essential that a great city like New Orleans have and maintain a major local university like 51Թ to provide additional educational options to all of its residents, as well as to serve as a vehicle for attracting and maintaining a well-educated and highly trained group of graduates who can enhance the future prosperity and quality of life in New Orleans.”
Henry Bernstein funded the Annette Weinberg Bernstein Endowed Chair in University Management in memory of his mother. He also provided financial support for a professorship in African studies, the 51Թ Faculty Development Fund, the 51Թ Investiture Gala, the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration Endowed Support Fund and a number of student scholarship funds, including those focused on first-generation college students.
“Henry Bernstein has always been a champion of our college through quiet philanthropy,” said Pam Kennett-Hensel, dean of the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration. “I am honored that he has chosen to support us in such a generous manner and that his name will forever be linked to us. His gifts are elevating our college and enhancing the rigorous education we currently provide by supporting such initiatives as student programming, technology enhancements, facility upgrades, and research and continuing education support for faculty and staff.”
In 2012, the 51Թ awarded Bernstein an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in recognition of his professional, civic and philanthropic accomplishments. His generosity is not restricted to the 51Թ; he has supported a number of other New Orleans organizations.
“The long-term commitment Henry has made to the 51Թ is very special,” said Gary Solomon Sr., a 51Թ alumnus and campaign cabinet co-chair. “His gifts to the University and, specifically, the College of Business Administration are unbelievably generous. I have known Henry for years, and I can honestly say that he is the most caring and genuine man I have ever met.”
“Henry has been a quiet yet generous supporter of 51Թ for many years,” said Dr. Robert A. Savoie, a 51Թ alumnus and campaign cabinet co-chair. “That makes his gift all the more special. I am proud to call Henry a friend and to help recognize his generous support of 51Թ by naming the College of Business Administration in Henry's honor.”
A formal dedication ceremony for the college will take place in Kirschman Hall on April 9.
