Ruth and Steve Pollyea make a $1.375M gift commitment to U of A Eller College of Management Partnerships Office

Field-relevant work experience improves a student's likelihood of securing a full-time job after graduation and increases starting wages. Yet for many students, pursuing a full-time internship while making progress toward their degree simply isn't financially feasible.

Image

That is what inspired longtime University of Arizona supporters Ruth and Steve Pollyea to make a $1.375 million gift commitment to the Eller College of Management Partnerships Office.

"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."

The current EPO program can accommodate approximately one-third of its applicants, but the Pollyeas' gift will make it possible to expand yearly enrollment from 105 students to 275 within three years.

"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," said Karthik Kannan, dean and Halle Chair in Leadership of the Eller College of Management.

The Pollyeas, both graduates of business schools, understand the importance of higher education and are committed to supporting it. Their latest gift to support the EPO program reflects that belief and builds on a history of engagement with the University of Arizona.

Their dedication to the institution extends well beyond philanthropy; they are enthusiastic philanthropic supporters of Arizona Athletics and regularly attend games both at home and on the road, demonstrating their ongoing pride and connection to the university. Their estate plans also include support for the Eller College, the U of A's athletics programs and Arizona Public Media.

"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 said in a joint statement. "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."

EPO focuses on immersive student learning through consulting projects with companies to solve real-world problems through the guidance of Eller's expert faculty. Building interdisciplinary teams, Eller students work alongside companies leading their industries. This year, for example, students studying business analytics, management information systems, computer science, information science and engineering are collaborating with Roche Tissue Diagnostics to tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of business and innovation.

"When I first met the Pollyeas during a meeting to discuss the Immersion Learning Program, I immediately felt heard," said Roderick Featherstone, a senior studying economics. "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' gift is part of the university's $3 billion Fuel Wonder campaign, which supports strategic imperatives including student success.

"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," said John-Paul Roczniak, President and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation. "I'm grateful to them for supporting the U of A and the Eller Partnerships Office."/p>