Herman J. Belz ’59

Herm died March 12, 2024, in Rockville, Md.

Born in Haddon Heights, N.J., Herm’s stellar undergraduate years included a basketball career as one of Cappy Cappon’s “Iron Five” basketball players and as ace pitcher on the baseball team. A history major, he dined at Cannon Club and roomed with Chris Allen, Hal Pachios, Mike Viola, Tom Dalton, and twin brother Carl. After five years as a lieutenant in the Navy, Herm went on to earn a Ph.D. in history from the University of Washington in 1966.

He put his doctorate to use in a 40-year teaching career at the University of Maryland, ultimately receiving the title of professor emeritus of history and assuming academic leadership positions, among them director of graduate studies in the history department. He was a prolific writer with award-winning publications addressing subjects from affirmative action to the American Constitution to Abraham Lincoln.

Herm’s many other involvements included academic director of the congressionally established James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (1996-2012), visiting scholar in Princeton professor Robert George’s James Madison program, George W. Bush appointee to the National Council on the Humanities, and adviser to the Supreme Court Historical Society. This multi-talented, thoughtful man brought so much to so many.

The Class of 1959 wishes heartfelt condolences to Herm’s family, especially his wife, Valerie; and children Kristin ’84 *94 and Aaron ’87.