Robert. L. Blake

Robert L. Blake, who served as vice president, general counsel, and secretary of the University of Miami under two presidents, passed away on August 10, leaving an indelible impact on the University and the community.

Blake, who served at the University from 1994 to 2006, under the administrations of Edward T. “Tad” Foote  and Donna E. Shalala, worked on many far-reaching projects  for the greater good of both UM and the community. He reached common ground with our Coral Gables neighbors, leading to the construction and opening of the University Village, an on-campus student apartment project that dramatically changed student residential life.

Along with the late Ken Myers, a life member of the Board of Trustees, Blake drafted the Florida statute and Miami-Dade County ordinance authorizing the referendum to levy a sales tax to benefit the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. That tax still enables UM/Jackson to deliver the same standard of care to all patients. regardless of their ability to pay.

Prior to joining the UM family, Blake distinguished himself through his outstanding service in the public sector, serving as division chief in the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office and as general counsel to the Public Health Trust. He also helped educate our community’s future leaders by teaching at Barry University and Miami-Dade Community College.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, August 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mount Hermon AME Church, 17800 N.W. 25 Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, 33056. The service will follow on Tuesday, August 16, at 11 a.m., also at Mount Hermon AME Church. The church’s telephone number is 305-621-5067.