Through the Toppel Family Foundation, Boca Raton philanthropist and longtime friend of Lynn University Patricia Toppel has once again shown unwavering support of the Lynn conservatory.
To honor the memory of her late husband, Harold, Mrs. Toppel established the Harold and Patricia Toppel Studios at the Conservatory of Music. The studios are located on the second and third floors of the Count and Countess de Hoernle International Center—the new and permanent home for the conservatory.
“Harold was always such an advocate for Lynn,” Mrs. Toppel said. “Just as he did, I feel that the conservatory is a wonderful addition not only to Lynn but surely to the region. I am always impressed with the high quality performances of these exceptionally talented young musicians. I know he would be pleased to help Lynn’s student musicians in this way.” Harold Toppel, who passed away in 2008, was a community leader and philanthropist. President Emeritus Donald E. Ross presented him with an honorary doctorate in humane letters at Lynn’s 2005 commencement.
Patricia Toppel is a founding member of the Friends of the Conservatory and serves on its board. The Toppels, along with Margaret Mary and John Shuff, were the inspiration for the annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert—a popular, family-oriented, community event featuring Lynn’s conservatory. The two couples co-chaired the first performance 12 years ago. To date, this event has raised more than $600,000 for conservatory students who hail from around the world.
In 2009, the Toppels received the Boca Raton Award for their generosity of time, talent and resources to Lynn and to the community.
In 2006, they became members of the Lynn University Leadership Society and this year entered into the E.M. Lynn Society, which recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts to Lynn of $1 million or more.
The Conservatory of Music became an academic unit of Lynn University in 1999. The conservatory’s primary mission is to provide the highest quality professional performance education for gifted young musicians, and to set a superior standard of music performance worldwide. An essential component of performance education is the presentation of outstanding musical performances, which strengthens and serves the community beyond the campus.
