It is with sadness that we report the passing of our National Advisory Board Member Bert A. Getz, Sr. He passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, in his Illinois home. Services in Illinois will take place on September 26th, and a future service is planned in Arizona at a later date to be announced. Bert was a long-time friend of Justice O’Connor and a generous patron of the Institute. A philanthropist, business magnate, and civic leader of the highest order, we will miss him terribly.

Bert was Chairman and Director of Globe Corporation, having served as its President from 1974 to 1999. He was also a Director and the President of the Globe Foundation, as well as a Director of the National Historical Fire Foundation. Bert also served on the Board of Rodel Foundation. He was a previous owner and director of various banks in Illinois and Arizona, and served as a Director of both Security Pacific Bank Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association under the Reagan administration.

Bert was the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the Mayo Foundation, Director Emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation, and the Chairman Emeritus of the Arizona Community Foundation. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bert earned a B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.