"My parents were my example," says Jerome Gumenick. "They were very generous and I learned a great deal from their good deeds."

Chairman of the Board of Gumenick Properties in Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Gumenick remains involved with the University and is a charter member of the President's Council. His son, Jeffrey, is a 1985 UM alumnus.

"I love my University," says Mr. Gumenick. "Our reputation has grown over the years. I am proud that we are now one of the top private higher education institutions in the country!"

A member of the Merrick Society since 1994, the Gumenick Family has supported many different areas at the University. The lobby in the renovated Otto G. Richter Library in the Coral Gables campus bears the Gumenick Family name. The family has also been generous to the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, the Schools of Business Administration and Medicine, and Athletics.

Beyond his involvement with the University of Miami, Mr. Gumenick is also an active volunteer with numerous local, national and international organizations, including the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, where he serves as Honorary Vice President; the National Board of United Jewish Communities; the University of Richmond; United Way of Greater Richmond; the Medical College of Virginia; the College of William & Mary; Council for America's First Freedom; Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami, and the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., of which he is a founder.

"It is a privilege to continue my family's tradition of, and commitment to, philanthropy," says Mr. Gumenick. "I've been fortunate to be able to share my wealth with those in need. It brings me great satisfaction that I'm helping my fellow man and making the world a better place for us all."

- Michelle Valencia