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A Short Biography
of Glorya Kaufman
 Glorya
Kaufman, whose altruism extends from the arts and education to research
and medical science, celebrates life through philanthropy. Her recent
$18 million gift to UCLA will enhance the renovation of the university's
historic Dance Building, which will be renamed Glorya Kaufman Hall.
It is the first of the campus's original core academic facilities to
be named for a woman. The building is home of the School of the Arts
and Architecture's innovative Department of World Arts and Cultures,
whose broad interpretation of the arts and its emphasis on art as a
universal part of life align closely with Kaufman's personal values.
Kaufman grew up in Detroit, and her ideals are rooted in early memories
of her family, their love of music and dance, and their emphasis on
giving to the needy. Perhaps most important, she follows her family's
example of planting the seed of an idea that hopefully will flourish
to create greater awareness and empathy. Kaufman believes intercultural
studies enrich life for all people and that the arts - especially dance
and music - are a universal language. Her philosophy is based on the
idea that this commonality helps people achieve greater understanding
and respect for one another.
UCLA has reaped the benefit of Kaufman's vision and commitment for
more than 20 years. She is a member of the steering committee for the
Royce Center Circle, the primary support group for UCLA's Performing
Arts. Her generosity has ranged from underwriting tango performances
at Royce Hall to providing scholarships for UCLA dance students. With
fellow community leaders, Kaufman serves on the School of the Arts and
Architecture's Board of Visitors. The board is a vital link between
the professional architecture and art worlds, the university and the
community.
While her love of dance has often been the focal point of her interest
at UCLA, Kaufman also has worked to increase the role of women on UCLA's
campus. She was a founding board member and is a Circle member of UCLA's
Women in Philanthropy, a group that advocates women's roles as leaders,
major donors and decision-makers throughout the UCLA community.
Kaufman is also a President's Circle Patron of the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art and a Founding Member of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary
Art. Her commitment of time, vision and money for the Brentwood Branch
Public Library resulted in the new, expanded library that opened in
1994. Now one of the busiest in the city, it is dedicated to her late
husband, Donald Bruce Kaufman.
Twice Brentwood Citizen of the Year, she has been honored by the Rotary
Club, recognized for philanthropy by the ARCO Foundation, and serves
on the board of Stop Cancer, a national research fund begun by the late
Armand Hammer, former chairman of Occidental Petroleum Company. She
is a major contributor to Israel Tennis Centers, which offer children
throughout Israel an opportunity to learn tennis, develop sportsmanship
and to study. She also provides scholarships for single mothers at the
University of Judaism.
Kaufman is a Lifetime Member at St. John's Hospital, where she has
designated her contribution to be used in behalf of mental health. Her
support also extends to The Blind Children's Center, the Free Clinic,
The Venice Family Clinic, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Laser Research
at Cedars Sinai Hospital.
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