Murray I. Mantell, a visionary, professor and scholarship donor with the University of Miami for decades, has died at 102 years old.
Mantell, a Life Member of ASCE, was the university’s professor emeritus of civil engineering, having taught there for 57 years. He was known as a citizen activist, environmentalist and promoter of firm values to his young students. He believed there was always a way to know right from wrong in one’s life, and he developed a methodology for people of all ages to apply this honored ideal.
He attended Miami from 1935 to 1938 as a physics major, but had to leave because the school didn’t yet offer an engineering degree. He went on to gain several, from the University of Florida, the University of Southern California and the University of Texas. He also earned a diploma in naval architecture from The Citadel. He returned to Miami in 1946 as a faculty member in the Department of Engineering Science.
Mantell was a mind-challenging professor who fostered ethics and professionalism. He received numerous awards for excellence in teaching, even a British Admiralty Commendation.
An author of 10 books and mentor to many engineers, he established the Murray I. Mantell Endowed Scholarship, which “provides support to students majoring in engineering who have demonstrated academic achievement, a strong extracurricular activities record and need,” with priority given to juniors and seniors.
Two years ago, more than 100 students, alumni and faculty gathered for “Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence: A Tribute to Murray I. Mantell, PhD” to celebrate the centennial his bis birth.
