The Citizens Board, a select group of business, professional and civic leaders, provides invaluable support to the University’s philanthropic efforts. In addition to their volunteer work with the schools, the Board has established the Special Projects Fund. Through this Fund $100,000 is allocated annually to University programs. Just this year, the School of Music, Athletics, the Graduate School, the Department of Physical Therapy, the Student Wellness Center and Orthopaedics have been the recipients of funding.

“The School of Music has been supported by the Citizens Board in a variety of ways over the years. They have contributed every year to Festival Miami. Not only has the Board continued to fund, but it was also instrumental in the initial planning stages of the UM Salzburg Summer Institute. Recently we have received tremendous assistance with seed money for an innovative program at the Music School to teach piano to blind children. Thanks to their generosity, we’re almost where we need to be to kick the program off,” said School of Music Dean William Hipp.

At the UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center the Citizens Board has left its mark as well. Dedicated CB member Peggy Hollander serves as co-Chair of their Founder’s Society and has devoted herself to successfully raising $1 million annually. “Through my involvement in the Citizens Board, I have met some wonderful people and developed terrific new friendships. At Sylvester, it is an honor and a pleasure to be captain of a team of extraordinary, high energy, individuals - including several Citizens Board members,” said Peggy. “Cancer spares no one. Each of us has family members, friends or business colleagues touched by this illness. It is my goal to help people look into their hearts and reach into their pockets to help raise funds for a cure. By working together and pooling our resources, we can provide the greatest help to the researchers and clinicians who are on the front lines of cancer study and treatment.”

Adds Sylvester Cancer Center Executive Director of Development Marilyn Emas, “The Citizens Board has supported UM/Sylvester as leaders in our Friends for Sylvester and Founders Society. They have always been there for us and their continued dedication is critical to our success.”

Despite widespread financial uncertainty in the country, the Citizens Board just completed a banner year, raising $10 million through gifts, pledges and fundraising activities. With the task of promoting understanding in the community of the University’s plans, activities and local impact; enlisting active support for the University’s development goals; and seeking financial support from the community, Citizens Board members are involved in all areas of the University.

Dr. Gordon Miller, past president and 15-year member of the Citizens Board as well as a 1956 alumnus of the College of Arts and Sciences, has raised $75,000 for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Mary and Edward Norton Library at the School of Medicine, which houses one of the world’s most comprehensive ophthalmologic collections.

Citizens Board President-Elect Ronald Ravikoff also has high aspirations. A member since 1995, Ron has been raising funds for the Law School in honor of his 25th reunion, as well as working to establish the Daniel E. Murray – Law Review Scholarship. Ron’s goal: raise $500,000 to honor Professor Murray, who served for many years as faculty advisor to the Law Review.

The University of Miami Libraries recently dedicated the Cuban Heritage Collection’s Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion, a magnificent 100,000-square-foot expanse that houses the most comprehensive collection of Cuban exile and Cuban American materials in the world. Through former CB President Jorge Gomez, CB member Juan O’Naughten and their committee, the Board played a role in this achievement as well. Jorge and Juan were influential in the acquisition of substantial financial support from the late Elena Díaz-Versón Amos to make this dream a reality for the University.

Members work in teams to raise funding for the schools and colleges of their choosing. But it is not all work and no play. CB members enjoy invitations to University-wide special events, a pre-game gathering and Holiday Soiree, an informative lecture series, access to the Richter Library, the Wellness Center and more.

Joyce Galya, Citizens Board Director, has been associated with the University since the 1970s, earning her BA cum laude in 1973 and her MBA in 1984. She was tapped by Iron Arrow in 1996. Serving as Citizens Board Director for more than 20 years, she has directed the Board’s growth to its current success as a 300-member professional organization that is vital to the University. Since its inception the Board has raised $3.5 million for the Convocation Center, $1.2 million for the School of Architecture, $1 million to support the School of Business, $250,000 for the College or Arts and Sciences, $50,000 to support the School of Education, $16 million to benefit the School of Medicine and $100,000 for the School of Music – to name just a few.

Recently, to honor Joyce for her dedication and commitment to the University and the Citizens Board, members joined to establish the Joyce Galya Family Endowed Scholarship at the School of Business. “I was overwhelmed by the personal tribute from the Board members. It is humbling to know that my family’s name will be associated with the University forever, said Joyce. “It truly takes a village, working with each and every CB member and school to promote the advancement of the University. I’m so privileged to work with this elite group of corporate leaders.”

- Arlene Easley