A Common Human Language
When Eva Haller was 22 years old, newly arrived and undocumented in New York City, she would listen to the radio for company as she cleaned houses. Broadcasted conferences and lectures from the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions introduced her to UC Santa Barbara. Less than 10 years later, the center honored Eva as the founder of a communications and research company specializing in political campaigns. Thus began a relationship with UC Santa Barbara that spans decades, transforming campus with Eva’s signature energy and connective spirit.
“My experience reminds me of how fortunate I am today that I can open doors,” said Eva, who survived the Nazi occupation of Hungary and the Soviet Siege of Budapest. “It's lovely to meet UCSB students a little later in life and say: I remember you. One of the greatest privileges in my life has been this 40 years on the Board of Trustees.”
Eva has been a fierce advocate for social justice since the age of 13, when she would sneak out with her brother, John, to assist him in distributing anti-Hitler pamphlets throughout Budapest. John’s death as he crossed the Yugoslavian border to join Tito’s army motivated Eva to be the social, educational and environmental activist she is today.
Eva was elected to the UC Santa Barbara Foundation Board of Trustees in 1985 and describes her experience as a gift. She and her husband, Yoel, are longtime supporters of the arts on campus. The Hallers have sponsored many UCSB Arts & Lectures events — most recently, the Justice for All series and ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!
Illuminating a wide spectrum of systemic injustice, the Justice for All programming initiative looks to today’s great minds and creators and to the courageous leaders across the globe who are forging a new path forward. ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! brings people together to share the rich cultural heritage of Latin America, serving more than 15,000 students and community members each year throughout Santa Barbara County.
“Eva Haller is one of my greatest and most loyal supporters, and I asked her to be the first ambassador for Arts & Lectures when I arrived in Santa Barbara 25 years ago. Eva has never stopped being not only a guiding spirit, but also a wonderful and thoughtful friend. Her support of the Arts & Lectures program has brought world-renowned speakers and artists to UC Santa Barbara, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas on campus. Eva’s commitment to our education programs, both on campus and in the community, has been an inspiration to many others. I know that UCSB and the world are both better places for her care and attention,” said Celesta M. Billeci, Sara Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures.
Eva believes art is a common human language. One of her first investments in the university was the Murray Roman Curatorial Fellowship at the UC Santa Barbara Art, Design & Architecture Museum in memory of her late husband, with whom she had founded the Campaign Communications Institute of America.
“When my husband Murray passed away, we were just in the beginning of a relationship with the university. Art was important to us, the emotions and the memories that art brings. Students now benefit from Murray’s passion and love through this fellowship,” said Eva.
“Eva Haller is a true advocate for the arts and humanities on our campus. Her generous support of multiple programs and departments — including the Art, Design & Architecture Museum, the Capps Center, music, and theater and dance — have transformed the experiences of our students, faculty and visitors to our campus. We are forever grateful for her continued commitment,” said Daina Ramey Berry, Michael Douglas Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Eva considers herself a mentor first: someone who shares guidance and brings people together. At 94 years old, she is as active as ever. During the pandemic, Eva launched a virtual salon series with global creators and scientists that is still running. On a morning shared with Eva in her art-filled living room, the day after an event with chef and activist Alice Waters, her phone flashed with calls and messages from women reaching out.
“I had no idea that I had become a philanthropist, you know? Giving is so much fun,” said Eva. “Gratitude is so unnecessary because the very act of sharing is so delicious.”