Donald (’53C, ’89HON) and Eleanor Taffner ’94HON have been
described as humble and pragmatic. They have used their
success and love of the arts to teach others and give them an
opportunity to excel.
The Taffners made their mark on American culture by bringing
memorable and engaging programming to television. Getting his
start in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency in New York,
Donald learned much about sales and television before becoming a
sales executive at Paramount Studios. He forged relationships
with executives in overseas broadcasting companies including the
BBC in Britain, CBC in Canada and ABC in Australia.
Eleanor, an advertising professional in her own right, supported
her husband in the launching of D.L. Taffner Ltd., their own
business. The couple was responsible for bringing several
television shows to the American public like, “Three’s Company,”
“Too Close for Comfort” and “The Benny Hill Show.” Donald has
been recognized for his creativity and contributions to global
television with a Founders Award Emmy from the International
Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences. He was also a recipient of the Most Excellent Order
of the British Empire, an insignia awarded by Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II of England.
They gave much to supporting the arts in the U.S. and England
and have committed to supporting St. John’s as well. They
believe in the University’s mission and give generously of their
time, for Eleanor, as a trustee and for Donald, as a guest lecturer
and proponent of the communications, journalism and media studies
department.