In memory of her husband, who passed away in 2001, Gloria pledged $2 million to support the University’s Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies. She says that the gift “seemed like the perfect way to honor his memory and at the same time, highlight the ideals of intellectualism and Judaism.”

Established in 1998, the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies is one of the first academic teaching and research centers in the United States to focus primarily on the major issues of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries as well as trends affecting the future of the Jewish people. The Center is dedicated to the academic pursuit of studying and exploring all aspects of modern Jewish society and culture in an effort to foster a better understanding of the contemporary Jewish experience both locally and globally.

The Center’s multidisciplinary focus includes examination of some of the more important events of the 20th Century including the birth of Zionism, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the creation of the state of Israel. Other issues that can be found in the Center’s mission include the role of religion vs. secularism, the roles of tradition and modernity in Jewish life, the complexities of the Israel-Diaspora relationship, Jewish demographic trends and population movements, and Israeli policies and politics. The Center engages the public through outreach activities such as lectures, conferences and symposia. Formal teaching is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences’ Judaic Studies Program.

Gloria says that her husband was a gregarious man but also quite intellectual. “He loved nothing more than to read and learn. He was very interested in Judaism. This is a way to help perpetuate what he was most interested in.” The gift will commemorate Howard Scharlin’s role as one of South Florida’s most respected philanthropists and leaders in the Jewish community.

Gloria and Howard often opened their home and gardens for arts festivities and considered the Greater Miami Jewish Federation their top priority. Howard served as President for two terms and supported numerous other civic, religious, and social causes. With Norman and Irma Braman, they launched the “I Have a Dream”' program through which 118 children at Miami's Drew Elementary School have the opportunity to attend college. In 2001, Mrs. Scharlin received the Central Agency for Jewish Education’s Community Arts Award. The Scharlin Family also has a long history of supporting the University of Miami.

In recognition of the $2 million gift, the Miller Center patio will be named in memory of Howard Scharlin. Gloria is also donating five prized statues of Hasidic rabbis that will grace the leafy patio. The Center is planning a special event to dedicate the patio in the fall of 2004, once the statues are moved into their new home.

When asked about this large gift, Gloria simply replies: “I want our grandchildren to see [Howard’s] name and to know how he felt about his heritage.” Thanks to her generosity, so will many others.

For more information about the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, please visit the website at http://www.miami.edu/miller-center/ or call 305-284-6882.

-Chris Prado