UCSD - University of California - San Diego
05/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2026 06:10
Nicole Wertheim, Philanthropist and Champion for Public Health, Dies at 82
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May 19, 2026Story by:
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Nicole Wertheim, entrepreneur, artist, advocate for education and public health, and UC San Diego supporter, died on April 20, 2026 at the age of 82.
Born in France, Nicole carried a lifelong passion for art, culture and travel. After arriving in the United States in her twenties, she focused on cultivating a loving family, while also building a successful business and, ultimately, an impactful legacy of philanthropy.
Nicole Wertheim, entrepreneur, artist, advocate for education and public health
Her generosity, carried out in large part through the Dr. Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation, touched countless lives, including a transformative lead gift that helped establish the school of public health at UC San Diego, reflecting her deep commitment to education, community and the greater good. Nicole's philanthropy helped strengthen public health education and research at a pivotal moment, creating opportunities for future generations of scholars, practitioners and leaders.
In 2020, Nicole and Herbert Wertheim were recognized for their support of UC San Diego with the Chancellor's Medal, which is one of the highest honors given by the campus for exceptional service in support of the university's mission.
"Nicole Wertheim was a visionary philanthropist who believed that education and public health could create a better future," said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. "Her visionary support helped strengthen public health at UC San Diego and reflects a legacy of generosity that will benefit society for generations. We mourn her loss as we reflect on the significant impact she left on our university and the world."
Nicole's visionary generosity empowered UC San Diego to reimagine the future of public health, honoring the university's legacy since 1966 while accelerating bold solutions to today's most urgent health challenges and delivering a curriculum built for a rapidly evolving world.
Since welcoming its first class in fall 2020, the school has experienced remarkable growth - expanding from 566 students in the 2019-2020 academic year to 1,171 in 2025-2026.
This academic year another milestone: the first cohort of students enrolled in the new Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health with a concentration in Health Services Research and Implementation Science. The program became the school's sixth degree offering, expanding an already robust portfolio of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
Nicole's visionary support helped strengthen public health at UC San Diego and reflects a legacy of generosity that will benefit society for generations. We mourn her loss as we reflect on the significant impact she left on our university and the world. Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla
The school also launched a new transfer pathway with Southwestern College, enabling community college students to earn a UC San Diego Bachelor of Science in Public Health while completing their coursework on the Southwestern campus - a collaborative model designed to broaden access and strengthen the region's public health workforce.
"Nicole's commitment to uplifting women and children, community and the greater good, led to the Wertheim gift to establish a school. Because of her investment, we have more student scholarships, have expanded our research portfolio, grown our academic programs and deepened our partnerships across the San Diego region and beyond," said Cheryl A.M. Anderson, PhD, MPH, founding dean and inaugural Hood Family Endowed Dean's Chair in Public Health.
"Today, our students, faculty, staff and community collaborators are advancing public health in ways that honor her legacy every single day. We are profoundly grateful for a gift that continues to change lives and will shape a healthier future for generations to come. Nicole will be deeply missed and fondly remembered."
Nicole is remembered by those close to her for her sharp wit, courage and thoughtful counsel. Friends and family described her as a person of remarkable spirit and resilience, whose warmth and perspective left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Nicole is survived by her daughters, Erica Wertheim Zohar and Vanessa Wertheim, and four grandchildren, Elan, Ethan, Alexa and Julia.
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Honoring Nicole Wertheim
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts may be made in Nicole Wertheim's honor to the school of public health, helping to continue reshaping the future of students and researchers dedicated to building a healthier world. Please leave a message for the family on the memorial website.
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