Donor Spotlight: Sam and Jacqueline Taylor

Reflecting on a “Golden Time” at Flagler, Young Alumni Give Back

At 35 years of age, Sam Taylor (‘10) and Jacqueline “Jackie” Dautel Taylor (‘12) understand that many of their peers might not share their concern for estate planning. However, for this alumni couple, it’s never too early to plan. “It’s not something most of us worry about at this stage, but as you build wealth, it is prudent. We’re well established in our lives and careers, so we invested time in planning ahead and asked ourselves, ‘Where would we want our money to go that would have an impact?’ For us, Flagler College made the most sense – the relationships and careers we have are in large part because we went to Flagler and the connections we made there,” Sam said.

Going on Faith

Indeed, had it not been for Flagler, the couple might have never met. Sam grew up in New England, his wife is from Gainesville, Florida. His decision to attend a school he had never seen came down to finances and faith. “Flagler was more affordable than even public universities up north. I didn’t even tour Flagler before moving in. I knew I wanted a smaller school in a historic city, and so I took a leap of faith that Flagler was the fit for me." Despite never seeing the College or St. Augustine before move-in day, he felt comfortable. “Coming from New England, I connected with the historic town. Flagler felt like a good fit; the professors knew your name and there was easy access to leadership opportunities. I never felt left out.” The close-knit campus gave the young economics major a chance to get involved in student government and to serve as a resident assistant.

While Jackie Taylor grew up in a family of University of Florida Gators, she chose Flagler because of the location and multi-track communication program they offered. “There was simply no comparison between other campuses and the historic grounds of Flagler College, and Media Studies was a perfect fit for me,” Jackie said. She particularly loved Opinion Writing, taught by Brian Thompson, and did so well in Alternative and Italian Cinema, she had an opportunity to co-teach with the professor – a privilege she appreciates all these years later. “As well as meeting Sam, I also met a lifelong friend at Flagler with whom I co-own an event planning business,” Jackie said.

Thinking about their alma mater, Sam said, “We look back on Flagler as a golden time. It was a nurturing environment that helped us discover who we were.

Citing Flagler’s “significant impact” on their lives, the couple set aside 25 percent of their estate assets for the College, which qualifies them for membership in the Henry M. Flagler Society. The Society recognizes people who have given to Flagler College through their will, trust, life insurance, retirement beneficiary designation, or other planned gift. Because they are still young, the timing and the specific funding area of their gift is flexible. When the time is right, the Taylors can decide how and where to designate their contribution. “A lot can change between now and then, so we haven’t named our gift, but we have communicated our intentions to the College. We know the money will have a positive impact and benefit to students,” Sam said.

Sharing her thoughts on the couple’s philanthropic philosophy, Jackie said, “Our journey truly started at Flagler – all the travels and all the years lived. I’m honored to leave behind something that will not only benefit a place that was so formative for us, but also its students just starting out on their own journey.”

Supporting Flagler’s Future

There are many reasons people support institutions of higher education. Viewed through the lens of his economics degree and technology career, Sam said the changing economy and “evolving societal view of higher education” factored into their decision. “As times change, I want Flagler be an effective and enduring institution, and to have a level of permanence and influence.”  

Like many alumni, the Taylors’ generosity reflects their appreciation for the academic and personal lessons learned at Flagler. By including the College in their estate plan and making their wishes known, they not only make a difference in the College’s future, they achieve peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. “It’s the right balance between knowing where the money is going to go and having the flexibility to adapt in the future,” Sam Taylor said.

Planned gifts provide lasting support for Flagler College and can be made at any age. You can make an impact today, establish a legacy gift for tomorrow, or do both and create a plan that works for your life and honors your values. To learn more, contact the Director of Development and Gift Planning, Nicole Pece at 904-819-6406 or [email protected].