Albert Vara, B.S.E.E. ’79, M.S.E.E. ’86

Citizens Board Campaign Chair

Albert Vara and his brother, Carlos, own Tropical Trailer Leasing, one of the oldest transportation leasing companies in South Florida, which was established by their father in 1969.

The Vara family’s close ties to the University of Miami are demonstrated by the fact that Al and his wife, Ana, as well as their two children, are proud UM grads. Their son is a two-time ’Cane like his father. The family has generously donated to the Lowe Art Museum; the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, where Al Vara has served on the board of The International Medicine Institute; and the School of Education and Human Development, where both Al and Ana have served on the visiting committee.

Al Vara has been a member of the Citizens Board for over 25 years and is one of its longest-serving members. He currently serves as the organization’s president-elect. As a member of the Citizens Board, he has helped raise funds for the UM Libraries’ Cuban Heritage Collection, the School of Communication, and the Miller School of Medicine.

Al Vara’s exceptional commitment to service throughout the community was recognized in 2007, when he received the James W. McLamore Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Miami-Dade Chapter.