Investing in UB's Students and Programs

As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, John "Jay" Ripley, B.S. '79, has years of experience in spotting a good investment. And as an engaged University of Baltimore alumnus, he recognizes that one of the best investments he can make is in the future of the University and its students.

In 2017, Ripley and his wife created the Barbara J. and John F. Ripley Merrick School of Business Endowment and the Barbara J. and John F. Ripley Endowment funds. They also have included a bequest to @[Short] in their wills to support these funds in perpetuity. Their gifts will help provide scholarships and programs that will benefit future generations of @[Short] students.

"I was the first person in my family to ever go to university. I came here on a merit scholarship and @[Short] launched me onto an amazing career path. My wife and I are delighted to help others receive the same kind of help," Ripley says.

Ripley began his professional career at what is now Ernst & Young, CPAs in Baltimore. He was president and CEO of Precision Auto Care, as well as corporate controller and then VP of Eastern Division Retail Operations for Jiffy Lube. Most recently, he has been the co-founder and chairman of Sequel Youth and Family Services, LLC, which has grown under his leadership to include programs in 17 states that serve clients from 41 states and territories.

Ripley has been an active part of the @[Short] community throughout his career. He served three years as a Foundation board member under past President H. Mebane Turner and has recently completed a second six-year term on the board. He was one of the speakers for the Merrick School Engages, a series of conversations with Murray Dalziel, dean of the Merrick School of Business, which takes a close look at contemporary business topics through the lenses of successful business leaders.

"I love encouraging and inspiring people, seeing what they can do beyond what they think they can do," says Ripley, as part of the discussion of the life lessons he has learned through his varied business ventures. Among the tenets that have shaped Ripley's professional life are to work hard, treat people right and aim for excellence.

The bequest that Barbara and Jay Ripley have made will one day help encourage and inspire other @[Short] students to reach their own personal goals. Their generosity and willingness to look to the University's future might just launch other individuals on exciting entrepreneurial paths.

Barbara and Jay Ripley's commitment to @[OrgName] through their planned gift includes membership in the Turner Society, which recognizes alumni and friends who have mentioned @[Short] in their wills or left another form of legacy gift to the University.