After her first philanthropic endeavor at the age of 6, collecting for the March of Dimes, "I remember how good it made me feel. I was very proud of myself for going around the neighborhood to collect coins." Her lifetime of giving off to an auspicious start, Taffy now steadfastly provides needed support to many charitable organizations.

Currently an Ibis Society member, Taffy Gould began her association with the University as a member of the Lowe Museum's Beaux Arts in 1964, ultimately becoming its president. In addition to the Lowe, she has contributed to our Middle East Studies program, the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, the Schools of Music and Nursing, and the College of Arts and Sciences, among other areas.

In 1977 Taffy established the Estelle and Emil J. Gould Humanities Lecture Series to support the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Music in honor of her parents. Her mother is currently a Merrick Society member - as was her father, a former UM Trustee and pioneer South Florida developer, who passed away in 1992. "I always love being able to honor those who have meant something to my life - and specifically to have honored my parents while both were still alive."

Last year, Taffy took great pleasure in creating the Ethel Goldstein/Idabelle Johnson Scholarship Fund in tribute to her grandmother and the woman who was her housekeeper. Both women had a profound influence on Taffy's life. Through the scholarship, every child in Idabelle's church who is accepted into college will receive financial assistance throughout his/her college career.

With primary interests in education, the arts, political and national security institutions, Taffy donates 97 percent of the earnings from her company, e-Medical Education, Ltd., to her favored charities. "Philanthropy is a learned behavior that we need to teach and to encourage, and to which we must expose our children," says Taffy. "I had very good role models in my parents."

- Arlene Adams Easley