Tom Tropp receives Loras College Distinguished Alumni Award
The Loras College National Alumni Board has honored Tom Tropp (Class of 1969) with the Distinguished Alumni Award for professional achievements and contributions made to the college.
Tropp was nominated for the award by fellow classmates, former faculty and family members as an individual who exemplifies the Loras College mission statement and has made a difference in the lives of others.
Recipients of the Loras College Distinguished Alumni Awards are identified based on the following criteria: significant achievements in their chosen field or a particular endeavor; reflects honor on the college through personal or professional activities; contributes to the college in outstanding ways or has made significant contributions to the community at-large; demonstrates particular professional accomplishment and exemplifies the educational mission of the college; shows excellence in contribution of time and talents to benefit the community either on a local, state or national level; shows exceptional personal commitment involving time and effort while at Loras College; and displays Christian ideals put forth by the college in daily life.
Tropp graduated from Loras College in 1969 with a degree in speech communication. His first job was as a teacher at Mother McAuley High School in Chicago; after a few years, he started a career in insurance and in 1981 opened his own agency called Tropp & Company, Inc. He quickly built strong footholds in both the international and domestic markets. Tropp also continued his thirst for knowledge by attending the University of Chicago where he received his master's degree in philosophical and theological ethics.
In 2007, Tropp decided to sell his company to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., and was named vice president of corporate ethics at Gallagher. In this role, Tropp spends much of his time traveling to offices around the world, speaking and listening to employees regarding the values of the company and the role of ethics in the business community.
Over the last three years, he has addressed more than 8,000 of the company's 10,000 employees in small group settings. He also gives presentations to industry and professional groups on the importance of an ethical culture. Tropp's leadership in this area has led to Gallagher's recognition as the World's Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Currently, only 144 companies around the world have received this recognition.
His dedication to ethics in the workplace extends to Loras College as well, where he volunteers his time as a resource speaker on campus. In addition to devoting nine years of service on the Board of Regents and currently holding the status of regent emeritus, Tropp has supported several campaign projects across campus, having a direct impact on students and programs.
Tropp's dedication to his community is also witnessed in his work with the Children's Home and Aid Society of Chicago. He and his wife Maripat have provided temporary foster care for children waiting for adoptive parents, helping more than 75 at-risk youth from 1985 through 2005.
Tropp and his wife reside in Lake Forest, Illinois.