Patricia W. Toppel (BEd ’58, MEd ’59), co-chair

Patricia W. Toppel earned two degrees from the University of Miami—a bachelors in education in 1958 and a masters in education a year later. As witnessed by her continued volunteer leadership at her alma mater, education remains important to Mrs. Toppel. She is a charter member of the President’s Council and serves on the Board of Trustees and the Women’s Endowment Committee. In 1995, Mrs. Toppel and her husband Harold, donated $500,000 to establish the Toppel Career Planning and Placement Center at the University of Miami. The Toppel Center is a state-of-the art facility, designed to meet career development needs of University students and alumni.

Mrs. Toppel is a general partner of Toppel Partners, a family partnership which invests in multifamily real estate opportunities. She also presides as Chairman and President of the Toppel Family Foundation. In 1997, Pat and Harold Toppel were honored as outstanding philanthropists by the Palm Beach National Society of Fundraising Executives. Mrs. Toppel also earned the Hearts of Gold Award from the Palm Beach County Salvation Army.

Ronald Glenn Stone (BBA’73), co-chair

Ronald Stone’s volunteer leadership at his alma mater is as long-standing as it is far-reaching. As a student, he was a member of the Undergraduate Student Body Government, president of the Intrafraternity Council, chair of Greek Week, Pledge Class President, and UM Intramural Golf Champion. Since graduating, he has served as trustee advisor to the Senior Class Gift Committee, president of the Alumni Association, a member of the Young Alumni Board, and is a member of the Citizens Board. As a University of Miami Trustee, Mr. Stone has served on the board’s Academic Affairs Committee, the Executive Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee, and the Visiting Committees of the School of Music and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. In addition, he has served as an International Oceanographic Foundation trustee and director of the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is also a member of the Alumni Council, the Miami Alumni Club, Iron Arrow, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Alpha. In recognition of his exceptional commitment to the University of Miami, he was awarded the Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award in 1982 and was named Alumnus of the Year in 1985.

Mr. Stone is president and CEO of The Comprehensive Companies, a financial services firm specializing in insurance, employee benefits, and financial planning.