“We’ve always felt strongly about our local university,” says Ruth, whose two children graduated from UM – daughter Janice with a bachelors in education and son Martin with three degrees, including a doctorate and a masters in education and a bachelors in business. The Karps have contributed over $300,000 to the University, including gifts to the School of Music and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, but most of their contributions have been in support of Hurricane Athletics, including the football, basketball, and baseball programs. Through their generous support, many athletic scholarships have been funded, providing opportunities for students to excel in both sports and academics.

The Karps have been members of the Golden ‘Canes, one of the largest annual giving levels for supporters of University of Miami Athletics, since its inception over twenty years ago. They also currently serve as members of the Golden ‘Canes Executive Committee and the Hall of Fame Board. In addition, Ruth served as the first female president of the Miami Hurricane Club. The Karps began contributing to Athletics many years ago, when a friend informed them that the University was trying to raise funds to bring back the basketball program. Ruth and Irving were among the first to write a check. There is also a Ruth and Irving Karp Conference Center in the University’s Tom Kearns Sports Hall of Fame, which holds exhibits of University of Miami National Champion football and baseball teams that include bowl trophies and other memorabilia.

Originally from New York, Ruth and Irving arrived in South Florida in 1950 and started the Carnival Fruit Company, which grew to become one of the most respected produce businesses in the U.S. Prior to that, Irving had fought in World War II alongside General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and received two Purple Heart medals. They are both retired now but manage to stay busy, including keeping up with their two grandchildren. At the time of this writing, a third grandchild is on the way. Ruth Karp is also a well-known painter whose art has been published and who has received numerous awards and honors. She plays an active role in various local arts organizations, having served as President of both the Miami Watercolor Society and the American Artist Professional League. In addition, she has served as President of Phi Lambda Pi, an honorary female fraternity.

When asked about their giving, Ruth says: “Truthfully, when we write checks to the University, we’re getting more out of it than they are. We’re getting a lot of enjoyment from giving, and that’s very important.” Supporting Athletics has allowed Ruth and Irving to meet many of the student athletes, which they greatly enjoy. They are also friendly with all the coaches and have gotten to know them well over the years. “A lot of the kids who get scholarships come from unhappy or troubled homes. Sports is a way out and a way up for them. Being able to help them make something of themselves is a good feeling.”

The Karps love to go to University athletic events, despite living almost an hour away in Bal Harbour. They go to as many games as they can, and recently attended the final home game of the women’s basketball team and “went home happy” after a big win. According to the University’s Assistant Athletic Director for Development, Brian Cockerham, “It seems like the Karps are at every event we host, whether it’s football, basketball, baseball or tennis. They are great examples of how people can get involved not just on a financial level but also on a real participation level.”

So the next time you’re at a game, you may just end up sitting next to these two enthusiastic and generous fans who have truly helped our University Athletics become a championship program both on and off the field.

- Chris Prado