Many students face a significant hurdle when trying to balance gaining relevant work experience and making progress toward their degrees. Field-relevant internships can boost a student’s chances of landing a job post-graduation and increase their starting salaries. However, financial constraints often make it difficult for students to pursue full-time internships.
Ruth and Steve Pollyea’s Generous Contribution
Longtime supporters of the University of Arizona, Ruth and Steve Pollyea, have pledged $1.375 million to the Eller College of Management Partnerships Office. This generous contribution aims to expand the Experiential Projects Office (EPO) program, which currently only accepts about one-third of its applicants. Thanks to the Pollyeas’ gift, the program will grow from serving 105 students to 275 students annually over the next three years.
“EPO projects have a demonstrated track record of propelling our students’ academic and career trajectories,” said Anastasiya Ghosh, associate dean of Partnerships and Susan and Philip Hagenah Endowed Faculty Fellow. “With a generous gift from Steve and Ruth Pollyea, more students will have an opportunity to engage in experiential learning projects and learn from industry and faculty experts, enhancing not only their individual careers, but positioning Eller at the forefront of innovative curriculum development in business education.”
Impact on Students and the Business Community
The expansion of the EPO program is seen as a significant boon not only for the students and faculty but also for the wider business community. Karthik Kannan, dean and Halle Chair in Leadership of the Eller College of Management, highlights the program’s value: “A true Eller innovation, EPO provides meaningful value for not only our students, faculty and corporate partners, but also the greater business community, eager for graduates who are prepared to make an immediate impact.”
The Pollyeas, both business school alumni, have a long-standing relationship with the University of Arizona. Their commitment to education is evident in their support for the EPO program and other university initiatives, including Arizona Athletics and Arizona Public Media. Their engagement extends beyond philanthropy, as they are actively involved in attending university events and games.
“From our earliest exposure to Eller, we have been consistently impressed by the caliber of its community – particularly the students, Professor Ghosh, and Dean Kannan,” the Pollyeas expressed. “The students enrolled in the EPO program stand out as intelligent, professional and highly motivated to engage in collaborative learning. Their exposure to real-world experiences through the program will position them well for paid internships, full-time employment and admission to graduate programs. The skills they develop throughout the program will provide a strong foundation for long-term success in the business world.”
Experiential Learning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The EPO program is designed to provide immersive learning experiences, where students tackle real-world business issues through consulting projects. These projects are guided by expert faculty and involve collaboration with leading industry companies. Students from various disciplines, including business analytics, management information systems, computer science, and engineering, are currently working with companies like Roche Tissue Diagnostics on innovative challenges.
Roderick Featherstone, a senior studying economics, shared his experience with the program: “When I first met the Pollyeas during a meeting to discuss the Immersion Learning Program, I immediately felt heard. They showed genuine interest in the experiences and perspectives of the students in the program. They were not only interested in improving the program and strengthening our experience, but also in getting to know us on a personal level. Their generosity has had a meaningful impact on the program and on students like me. Because of their support, current and future students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary to successfully launch their careers.”
The Pollyeas’ donation is part of the larger $3 billion Fuel Wonder campaign, which aims to support strategic imperatives, including student success. John-Paul Roczniak, President and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, acknowledged the significance of their contribution: “Steve and Ruth’s philanthropy will have a real and measurable impact on students’ ability to gain real-world experience as they earn their degrees.”
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