You may have seen the Petronas Tower in the film Entrapment, or come to recognize the geometric architecture of I. M. Pei in downtown Miami's Centrust Tower, Hong Kong's Bank of China Tower, or Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without the Sakhnovskys' Construction Research Laboratory in Miami, these buildings and many more that mark the skylines of cities from Chicago to Shanghai would not have been possible. The company's résumé also includes the Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, Standard Oil Building, Prudential Building, World Trade Center, and the new Westin Hotel in New York City.

However, this impressive list does not tell the complete story, including how Sak came to own Construction Research Laboratory, and how that led to a substantial gift to the University of Miami.

In 1952, Sak was asked by Chemistry Department Chairman Emeritus Walter Walker to conduct research at the University of Miami. Gradually, Sak's responsibilities shifted to include an obscure window test facility at the South Campus. From 1954-1968, Sak worked for this research division of the University of Miami. In 1968, the laboratory was deemed unrelated to the academic mission of the University of Miami and subsequently sold to Mr. Sakhnovsky.

The lab tests various stone, glass or metal wall units after construction of high-rise buildings shifted to use these prefabricated materials, making it practical and necessary to test the wall design. Tests are now conducted in a full-size mock-up that best represents the actual structural conditions.

In the years that followed, Sak expanded the business to include an international cadre of soaring structures. Today, the test facilities include two 2,650-hp aircraft engines with 13 ½-foot propellers, used to simulate hurricane-like winds. There are 15 high-pressure blowers, 20 manometers, which measure the lateral pressure exerted on a structure, and much more equipment that make the facility the best for testing the world's tallest and most complex landmarks.

How did this benefit the University of Miami? At a meeting with the University of Miami Office of Planned Giving, the Sakhnovskys discussed several creative ways to avoid taxation on appreciated assets, generate income, and create a lasting legacy at the College of Engineering and School of Architecture. Since the Sakhnovskys credited the University of Miami for enabling the success they had enjoyed, the couple chose to create two permanent endowed scholarships through a generous gift funding a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. At the same time, the Sakhnovskys established an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) that will benefit their children. The ILIT replaces the assets that are designated for the University of Miami and also allows the children to receive the funds free of all taxes.

The Sakhnovsky trusts addressed a number of planning and tax issues, while enabling University of Miami students to pursue engineering or architecture degrees through the funds generated annually by the permanent endowments. Equally important, the trusts will forever recognize the Sakhnovskys' commitment and generosity to the University of Miami.