Yavitz Cypen Foundation Scholarship '24 - '25

About this scholarship

Born on May 29, 1944, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Stephen Cypen grew up on Miami Beach and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami Law School. Steve was a brilliant lawyer, practicing law on Miami Beach for over fifty years and serving as President of the Miami Beach Bar Association. He earned two Board Certifications during his career, first as a marital and family lawyer and then as a specialist in city, county and local government law. Steve was the Town Attorney of Surfside for over thirty years and represented over fifty governmental pension boards around the State of Florida. He wrote and published a monthly newsletter that was distributed to over a thousand lawyers and government officials.

Steve's dedication to the law, however, was only part of a life-long dedication to helping people, especially the less-fortunate. In this regard, Steve followed the example of his late parents, Irving and Hazel Cypen. Steve was a leader in charitable and civic pursuits, serving as Chairman of the Board of Miami Jewish Health Systems, President of the Jerome A. Yavitz Charitable Foundation, of Miami Beach Kiwanis Club and of Miami Beach Civic League. He was also involved in numerous other charitable organizations and was inducted into the Miami Beach Senior High School Hall of Fame . His philanthropy touched and improved the lives of so many within the South Florida community and beyond. Steve will always be remembered for his intelligence, his quick wit and sense of humor, and his deep devotion and loyalty to family and friends.

Multiple scholarships are given each year in the name of the Jerome A. Yavitz, Steve Cypen Foundation.

Previous donors: Arlyn Cypen