Siegler Graduates 60 Years After Leaving Miami

Courtesy Miami Herbert Business School

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Earlier this year, John Siegler was sitting in his home office in Port Charlotte, Fla., looking at a picture of himself playing baseball during his University of Miami days from 1961 to 1965, an accompanying plaque, and another photo of himself golfing. Seeing the latter gave him an idea:

“If I got rid of that picture, it would be a good place to hang my Miami diploma.”

But correcting this wasn’t just a matter of retrieving his diploma from storage. While Siegler attended what is now known as the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School for all four years, most of them on scholarship, he never technically graduated. Back in 1965, he had to choose between attending an afternoon lab for one of his classes or baseball practice. He chose baseball, failing that class and not earning his remaining credits to graduate.

Although Siegler was never asked to produce a diploma for any of his life’s pursuits, he would quietly carry this truth with him for 60 years. In that time, he served in the U.S. Army, ran his father’s food distribution business, played semi-pro baseball in his hometown of Lima, Ohio, got married to Brenda, raised four children, became a grandfather 11 times over, and retired early—now enjoying boating, golfing and biking.

But the idea of going back to school lingered. So he finally told Brenda, who both encouraged him to contact Miami about finishing his degree and advised him to tell their kids. To Siegler’s relief, his children were only proud that their dad was returning to finish what he had started.

Siegler admits—he thought he’d tell Miami what had happened and would receive an honorary degree by mail.

What unfolded next would take Siegler completely off guard, in the best possible way.

“I had no idea that it would lead to everything that has gone on,” he said.

Danay Morales, assistant dean of undergraduate student engagement and outreach at Miami Herbert, was central to Siegler’s return. She invited him to visit what Siegler proudly describes as a transformed campus that now includes two streets dedicated to his baseball coach and the University president during his undergraduate years. He was welcomed by Paul A. Pavlou, dean of Miami Herbert, Dan Radakovich, vice president and director of athletics, and Rick Remmert, senior associate athletics director for athletics alumni engagement. The Athletics Department funded Siegler’s outstanding credits.

Both of Siegler’s classes were online, requiring him to get up to speed technologically.

“I didn’t know what Zoom was,” Siegler said.

In addition to receiving help from his daughter, who is a college professor, he is grateful to Yamirca Blanco, program manager of student engagement and outreach at Miami Herbert, who continually assisted him with critical online learning touch points.

This prepared Siegler for the two classes taught by Alex Horenstein, associate dean of undergraduate studies and associate professor of economics at Miami Herbert. According to Horenstein, both courses evoked a noticeable level of leadership, curiosity, and engagement in Siegler.

“He has been a great example for all of the students,” Horenstein said. “Having John interacting, asking questions, and being a burst of energy in classes has been wonderful. I wouldn’t be surprised if, after this experience, John decides to take more classes.”

Siegler has been positively impacted by Horenstein and his teachings.

“The learning was amazing,” Siegler said. “Alex was fantastic. So great, so nice, and so smart. What he is teaching now is very current with world affairs. I couldn’t say enough about him.”

In hindsight, Siegler said that a no-fuss honorary degree would have never been for him, especially now, since his family gets to see him walk at graduation.

“I’m very grateful that they didn’t send me that honorary diploma,” Siegler said. “It made me go over there, meet people, get involved, and take a couple of classes. It’s very, very rewarding.”