TFAS donor Edward M. Ackerman, from Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2016, surrounded by his family. Ed and his late wife Helma started supporting our work in 2004 through the Edward and Wilhelmina Ackerman Foundation.

Mr. Ackerman was a graduate of the University of Texas. He served as a lieutenant in the Air Force, stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Following his service, he did post-graduate study in finance at New York University before joining Salomon Brothers, later returning to Dallas as their regional manager. Ed founded Ackerman Associates, L.P., the first hedge fund in Dallas, in 1969 and compiled an impressive track record of investment success until his retirement in 2007. He also founded Ackerman Capital Management, an investment advisory firm that continues to thrive today.

As a philanthropist, Ed had a significant impact throughout the Dallas community. Much of his time and resources were dedicated to a variety of charitable causes, including The Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Foundation, Temple Emanu-El, the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, the Dallas Holocaust Museum, Hebrew Union College and the Society for Classical Reform Judaism. Ed was broadly philanthropic, supporting education, medical causes and smaller government. He believed in the capacity of free people to generate progress and prosperity. He particularly believed in the power and benefits of education and thus strongly supported educational initiatives. He is remembered for his warmth, wisdom, humility, generosity and as the loving patriarch of his family, which he considered his greatest legacy.

“Ed and Helma Ackerman were loyal, generous supporters of TFAS for more than a decade,” said TFAS President Roger Ream. “Their gifts helped change many lives and provided opportunities for students to benefit from the transformational programs we offer. Ed and Helma will be missed but definitely not forgotten. And the impact of their giving will continue to make a difference through the actions of TFAS alumni who are working to make the world a better place.”