Thanks to an endowment established by Su and Bob Robotti '75, Freeman College of Management students are now guaranteed access to paid, project-based professional experiences during their sophomore year through the Dr. Balwant Singh Internship Fund.

The gift, made to commemorate Robotti's 50th Reunion, honors the memory of Emeritus Professor Balwant Singh, management, who taught at Bucknell for 28 years and is remembered for his scholarship, mentorship and global perspective. "People who learned from Professor Singh know the difference he made," says Bob Robotti. "He provided guidance that deeply influenced students and helped them make critical career decisions. This program will help carry on his effort."

Professor Balwant Singh, management, was the first South Asian professor to teach at Bucknell. During his tenure, he served as the Christian R. Lindback Chair in Business Administration, was instrumental in the establishment of the South Asian Student Association, and, along with his wife, Bimla, was honored with the Burma-Bucknell Award for International and Intercultural Understanding.

The Freeman College worked closely with Bucknell's Center for Career Advancement (CCA) to launch the program, which integrates academic support with career development to meet students where they are.

The program runs through the Parker Dewey platform, which connects students to organizations across industries and helps them develop connections with employers and alumni who may become mentors, references and future colleagues. It addresses a common challenge for early-career professionals: getting experience without already having experience.

Micro-internships allow students to explore industries and responsibilities while applying classroom learning to real business challenges. They build professional skills in communication, critical thinking, time management and teamwork — all during an experience that is specifically designed to fit into their schedule during the academic year or breaks.

The result is a more confident, capable and career-focused student who is able to make informed decisions about majors and career paths.

"The sophomore year is often a time when many students are still exploring," says Bethany Slear, program director for experiential learning at the Freeman College of Management. "For some, projects will confirm a career direction; for others, they may inspire a pivot to something new."

Initial funding for the program's spring 2025 pilot was provided by Brad Langer '96, P'26, P'29, chair of the Freeman College Dean's Advisory Board. Among the students who participated was Max Wilson '27, who completed a two-week project with PwC.

Wilson conducted a case study that explored how the firm's offerings best matched client needs. "There was so much value in a very short amount of time," says the business analytics and computer science double-major. "Beyond the practical experience and feedback on my work, I was able to learn more about the company's career options and network with recruiters and Bucknell alumni who work there."

Su and Bob Robotti ’75 made an endowment gift that will impact generations of Bucknellians. Photo by Joe Peoples, DancePix, LLC

"The Robottis' gift to endow this program allows us to partner with companies and create opportunities exclusive to Freeman students," says Kristin Irish, co-interim executive director for the CCA.

Alumni and families can provide micro-internships to Bucknellians through the Parker Dewey platform, or replicate the Robottis' impact through gifts to support the program across campus.

"There's a lot we hope to accomplish through our gift," Bob Robotti says. "Primarily, we want to help students gain a better understanding of the careers they want to pursue. We're also honoring a great educator and shining light on a tangible way for others to invest in Bucknell students' success."