As the CEO and Chairman of Rosenthal Automotive Organization for more than 60 years, Robert Rosenthal experienced significant success over his long career. “I know that my success in business and my happiness in life are due in a large part to my association, as a young man, with Temple University,” said Rosenthal in an interview with Temple in 2009.

Rosenthal met his wife, Marion, who was also a Temple student, on campus. Three years after he graduated, Rosenthal opened his first car dealership, in Arlington, Va. The business ran in the family, as his father started doing business with Chevrolet in 1919. Forward-thinking like many alumni of Fox, Rosenthal became one of the first car dealers in the United States in the 1960s to sell Japanese cars. At its peak, Rosenthal’s organization owned over 20 auto dealerships in the Washington, D.C. area. Now retired, the Rosenthals split their time between homes in Washington, D.C., Indian Wells, Calif., and Nantucket. Forward-thinking even in older age, the Rosenthals often use an electric car when in California. Giving has always been important to the family, and in 2009 the Marion and Robert Rosenthal Scholarship Fund at the Fox School was created with a $1 million gift. “We hope the Fox School will give deserving young people the chance to participate in all that Temple has to offer, regardless of their financial ability,” said Rosenthal when the scholarship announcement was made in 2009.

Temple University Degree
Bachelor of Science ’51, Fox School of Business

Current Title & Company
Chairman of the Board, Rosenthal Automotive

Temple University Awards & Affiliatons

• Chairman’s Circle
• Gallery of Success Award, 2004