Shepard Broad
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Shepard Broad | |
|---|---|
| Born | Szmuel Bobrowicé July 8, 1906 Pinsk, Belarus, Minsk Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | November 6, 2001 (aged 95) |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, Banker, Philanthropist |
| Known for | created Bay Harbor Islands, Broad Causeway, American Savings and Loan, The Shepard Broad Foundation |
Shepard Broad (July 8, 1906 – November 6, 2001) was a
Early life and immigration to America
Shepard Broad was born in
Education and professional career
Shepard Broad received his law degree from New York Law School in 1927, and he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1928. From 1928 through 1940, Mr. Broad practiced law in New York City.
In August 1940, Mr. Broad was admitted to The Florida Bar and opened a law office in Miami Beach, Florida, the next year. On January 1, 1946, he founded the law firm of Broad and Cassel, which continues to this day with offices throughout Florida.
In 1946, Mr. Broad helped organize the Bank of Hollywood Hills and the North Shore Bank of Miami Beach. The following year, he helped establish the American Savings and Loan Association of Florida. He subsequently served as the president of the Mercantile National Bank of Miami Beach. He assisted in founding the Bank of Miramar, Florida.
Civic activities and philanthropy
Involvement with Israel
He and 21 other Jewish men met in a New York City apartment in 1945 and agreed on an audacious plan to help create a homeland for the world's Jewish people. Among his colleagues:
Bay Harbor Islands, Florida
Broad became intrigued by 253 acres (1.02 km2) of mud and
The town was incorporated in 1947 and Broad was elected to 26 consecutive one-year terms as mayor. His pay: $1 a year.
When he finally relinquished the job, he reminisced about the first election, one that was uninhibited by complications like voters. Broad joked:
It was the easiest election I ever experienced - Seven hundred and fifty lots elected me unanimously.
"Shepard's Folly"
Also in 1947, the Legislature authorized him to build a causeway at 125th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. The $2.5 million road was to be financed by self-liquidating bonds without expense to taxpayers. His detractors dubbed the causeway "Shepard's Folly," but he persevered and it was completed in 1951. The bridge now carries the name of the
Educational institutions
Shepard Broad's other community activities include serving as a member of the Board of Governors at the
Shepard Broad and his wife Ruth, through the legacy of The Shepard Broad Foundation, Inc., have given generous support to major universities and hospitals throughout the world including: Florida International University, Barry University, University of Florida,
In 1995, he donated $174,350 for computer equipment at the new Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor Elementary School, which was named for his late wife.[1]
Health care
He was also a benefactor to
References
- ^ a b c d e "Miami Herald: South Florida legend Shepard Broad dies". Archived from the original on November 10, 2001. Retrieved 2001-11-10.
- ^ "NSU Law Founders - Shepard Broad Law Center".
- ^ The Ruth K. & Shepard Broad Educational Series Florida International University