The Cycle of Giving -- Steve Trippe and Family

“Sarah and I have been fortunate enough to have some success and with that we have just felt that it is important to give something back for others who will follow,” said Steve. “There is an extreme amount of happiness that comes with that.”

The Trippes made a gift of $100,000 to the Borick Business Building, and more recently, made a gift of $50,000 to the Professional Land and Resource Management Program. 

“Our gifts to Western have already repaid us in many ways; however, the best thing we get in return are the 'thank you’s' from students whenever we happen to be on campus for a function or meeting,” Steve explained.

Steve is the vice president of CIMA Energy, Ltd., an oil and gas marketing firm, and managing Mmember of Longhorn Properties, LLC, an oil and gas exploration limited-liability company that originates and develops exploration projects throughout the United States. In addition, Steve is president of Four S’s, Inc., which develops commercial and residential real estate in Florida.

Steve, a member of the WSC Foundation Board of Directors, is also a member of Western’s Professional Land and Resource Management Advisory Board. He also serves the Michigan Oil and Gas Association on the Board of Directors.

“We believe that people are able to make positive changes for themselves and others by means of their giving no matter how big or how small. In that regard all gifts to Western are important for the collective good because if we can, by any means of giving, contribute to make it possible for one individual to do their best work or obtain their goals, then that is a worthy endeavor,” said Steve.  “In doing so, those who receive the benefits of gifts from WSC alumni and friends through the WSC Foundation will then reciprocate when they have a chance, thereby starting the process all over again.”

Steve and Sarah have two sons, Spencer and Samuel. They spend their time between their homes in Traverse City, Michigan, and Key West, Florida.