It is with great sadness that the College reports the death of William (Bill) L Bernhard (1956, PPE), Old Member and Foundation Fellow at Univ, who died peacefully at his home in New York on 12 October.

After graduating from Yale University in 1954 in History, the Arts, and Letters, Bill arrived at Univ in 1956 and studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) for two years. During his time at the College, Bill was taught by notable philosopher Sir Peter Strawson and Politics Fellow Sir Maurice Shock. His connection with the College extended beyond his studies, with his first cousin once removed being Arthur Lehman Goodhart, Master of University College from 1951 to 1963.

Bill was known for this commitment to philanthropy and generosity in supporting institutions across both education and the arts. At Univ, he supported Univ North, a Visiting Professorship in PPE, the Brewster Travel Scholarship and postgraduate scholarships through his significant contributions. In 2026, the College elected Bill to a Foundation Fellowship in recognition of his exceptional generosity and longstanding commitment to Univ.

Bill was well-known for his devotion to the arts and had served on the Yale University Art Gallery Governing Board since 1982 and was previously a board member at Film at Lincoln Center. Bill was an early board member of Studio in a School, an organisation founded by his friend, distinguished philanthropist Agnes Gund, with the aim of improving access to visual arts education and arts professions. He was also a member of the Museum of Modern Art’s Painting and Sculpture Committee and supported MOMA’s International Council, serving as secretary for a number of years.

Bill’s late wife, Catherine Cahill, passed away in 2016. A lifelong New Yorker, Bill had a large circle of friends including a Sunday lunch group and an extended family made up of cousins, nieces, nephews and their children.

We send our deepest condolences to Bill’s family and close friends.

Published: 22 October 2026