Norman Tripp knew how hard it can be to afford college.
When he attended the University of Miami, the son of a factory worker had to keep skipping semesters to work to make enough money to pay for the next semester. He succeeded: he met his wife, Jane, at the University and they earned their bachelor’s degrees in 1962.
Tripp went on to found the Tripp Scott P.A. law firm in Fort Lauderdale and became the general counsel for Alamo Rent a Car as the company exploded into a national chain. But Tripp never forgot about his days in Coral Gables, sending his children—and a continuous stream of scholarship donations—to the University.
“I learned philanthropy from my father,” said Christine Yates, a director at her late father’s law firm who leads its Estate Planning and Private Wealth Service Group. “He started with nothing and showed us that education is the foundation of success. He also taught us the importance of giving back, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve their own success.”
That tradition has endured. Three of Norman and Jane’s children attended the University of Miami. Four of their grandchildren have graduated from, or are attending, the University. In all, at least 13 members of the Tripp family are Canes. Collectively, the Tripp family created the Norman and Jane Tripp Endowed Scholarship Fund and have donated to scholarships at the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Law, and other entities.
Yates, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University, recently made another donation to the fund and is considering expanding her parents’ endowment even more. She said it’s important to her because of the lessons her father taught her and the experience she had at the University.
“I absolutely love UM,” she said. “The school has given me so much—an exceptional education, transformative experiences, and the tools to shape my career, allowing me to make an impact in my community. Giving back is the least I can do for all UM has done for me.”
