Albert Hermann

Sep 15, 2023

Al Hermann, former professor of business administration at the University of Alaska Anchorage, passed away peacefully in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept.15, 2023.

Al's relentless passion for entrepreneurship was well-known at UAA and in the Anchorage business community. He rapidly knit together people, organizations and sources of funding in support of entrepreneurs, and made many friends along the way.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., Al followed the common path of a bygone era; his ordinary origins produced an extraordinary life, thanks to hard work, honesty, punctuality, loyalty and good humor. He earned a B.S. degree in economics and education at Temple University and an MBA from Drexel University. He then spent his business career on the East Coast as a finance and accounting executive, first with Xerox, then with Lanier Worldwide and finally with several venture-backed startup companies in Georgia.

With their daughter Annemarie and son Drew established in their careers, Al and his wife Nancy relocated to Anchorage in 2009 to focus on what he always wanted to do: to "give back." The move allowed him to fulfill that goal, which included teaching, another of his dreams. In little time Al secured an appointment at UAA as term assistant professor of business and entrepreneurship.

In his tenure at UAA from 2010 to 2016, Al left a staggering impact on Alaska entrepreneurship. Among his accomplishments, he created the "Entrepreneurial Edge" program, which included a lecture series, boot camp for entrepreneurs and speed coaching events. He revived the Alaska Business Plan Competition, started an entrepreneur student club, created a minor program in Entrepreneurship, helped to secure $13.2M in venture funding under management of the Municipality of Anchorage and co-founded Alyeska Venture Management that mentored and invested in Alaska entrepreneurs.

Missing their family, especially since becoming grandparents, Al and Nancy returned permanently to Georgia in 2016. This did not surprise Al's friends in Alaska, whom he proudly entertained with stories about the successes of his children. Nor were his Alaskan friends surprised to learn that upon leaving Alaska, Al's tempest of activity on behalf of entrepreneurs immediately hit the University of Georgia, where he became a business consultant.

Al's energy, optimism and boldness opened doors; his warm heart kept those doors open. Though standing less than 6 feet tall, he was easy to locate in a crowded room. His Philadelphia toughness was real but could not conceal his blazing affection for people nor his generous support of their dreams. He endeared himself to many Alaskans who still love him and will not forget him.