ERIC SCHMERTZ Obituary

SCHMERTZ--Eric J. Hofstra University and its School of Law are deeply saddened by the death of Eric J. Schmertz, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Law and Dean of Hofstra Law School (1982-1989). Professor Schmertz was appointed a charter member of the Faculty of Law in 1969 and appointed to the Law School's first endowed chair, the Edward F. Carlough Distinguished Professorship of Labor Law, in 1981. The following year he was appointed Dean of Hofstra Law School. During his seven-year tenure he established many distinguished professorships. His notable public-service record included senior labor relations appointments by Governors Rockefeller, Cuomo and Spitzer, Mayor Dinkins and President George H.W. Bush. Professor Schmertz gave generously of his time and talent to Hofstra over several decades, influencing the lives of colleagues and students at the Law School and the University through his leadership of presidential conferences on Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and William J. Clinton, as well as cultural studies conferences on Frank Sinatra and Babe Ruth. In recognition of his distinguished service, in 1993 Hofstra University established the Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professorship in Public Law and Public Service, and in 2007, conferred upon Professor Schmertz an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. He will be remembered by the Hofstra community as an inspirational teacher and leader, skillful mediator and cherished friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family. He will be greatly missed. Marilyn B. Monter, Chair, Board of Trustees Stuart Rabinowitz, President, Hofstra University Nora V. Demleitner, Dean, Hofstra Law School