News

Distinguished Alumni Award | Herman S. Kohlmeyer, Jr. ’49

E. Bomersback
Each year, Newman’s Alumni Association proudly presents an award to an alumnus or alumna who not only embodies the spirit of Isidore Newman School but also serves as a leader in the community and professional field. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor the School bestows upon its alumni. A distinguished alumnus must have graduated at least 20 years prior to the current nominating year. With just under four thousand eligible alumni, there is a remarkable pool of candidates for this prestigious award each year. To be eligible, a nominee must have made significant contributions to a field of endeavor, have exhibited loyalty to the School, and have contributed meaningfully to the greater community.

Since the inception of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991, 33 individuals have been honored. With many strong nominees, the decision is never an easy one. The Newman Alumni Association is pleased to announce that this year's recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award is Herman S. Kohlmeyer, Jr. ’49.  

This recognition carries particular significance as Mr. Kohlmeyer, affectionately called Hermie, represents both the foundation and vitality of the School. As the great grandson of founder and financier Isidore Newman, Hermie is connected to the entirety of the school's 122-year history, from establishment in 1903 to present day. His own graduation in 1949 places him early in this remarkable timeline, and the Kohlmeyer tradition has continued through his children and grandchildren, who have also walked these halls.
 
After graduating from Newman in 1949, Hermie attended and graduated from Yale before joining the Navy where he trained in Newport in the destroyer service. There, he spent three years doing significant experimental work. After his service, he had opportunities to work in cities such as New York City but elected to join the family brokerage business in New Orleans instead. In doing so, Hermie was able to work alongside most of the city’s organizations, including groups who set the table and smoothed the path forward for desegregation, such as The Interracial Council of Business Opportunity.  
 
Hermie spent his professional career in finance, investment and commodities, specifically. He was one of two senior executives to build Kohlmeyer and Company into one of the largest Cotton Brokerage/Security Firms in the Southern United States. He served for 30 years as a member of the Board of Jacobson Stores, a chain of Midwestern specialty stores. He also served on the Board of the New York Cotton Exchange/New York Board of Trade, and for over 20 years on the Board of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, longer than any other member of the trade. 
 
Hermie’s selection embodies the enduring values established by Mr. Newman and other School founders while exemplifying the ongoing impact our alumni make in the community at large. During his service on the Board of Governors, he was instrumental in making our institution the first private school in the city to desegregate-a transformative act of leadership that honored our founding principles while advancing our community. Additional achievements include impacting the New Orleans community through serving on the boards of New Orleans Symphony, New Orleans Friends of Music, WYES TV, the Interracial Council of Business Opportunity (as noted above), Tulane Medical Center, Touro Infirmary Foundation, Touro Infirmary Hospital, Past Chair of the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and General Henry Knox Museum of Thomaston, ME.  
 
Hermie, we are thankful for you sharing your talents, treasures, and this remarkable legacy. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Kohlmeyer on this well-deserved honor. 
Back
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade