A member of The University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors from 1986 to 1992, Taber was involved in a variety of volunteer work and philanthropy throughout Northeast Ohio. Among the organizations that benefited from her time and support are the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Historical Society, the Cleveland Zoo Society, the Geauga Park District and the Therapeutic Riding Center Foundation.

She served on the steering committee for the University’s Heritage and Vision Capital Campaign, and was a member of the Classical Studies/Archaeology/Anthropology Advisory Board.

Taber was honored for her tireless efforts on behalf of the community and higher education by the University in 2004 when she was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Over her lifetime, Taber’s gifts to The University of Akron exceeded $7.5 million. They were given in support of Hower House and its grounds, student scholarships, and academic and athletic programs. In 2017, former University of Akron President Matthew J. Wilson announced the pending receipt of the largest gift in University history—more than $20 million from Taber's estate.

About two-thirds of the gift supports scholarships for honors students and students in audiology. The remainder will underwrite maintenance for UA’s Hower House—the Hower family mansion offering exhibits and programs to the public—and programming supporting the University’s mission.