During his student days, Bob Hickey ’67 expressed his love for The University of Scranton by attending athletic events and leading his fellow Royals in enthusiastic group cheers. Today, he and his wife, Gen, continue to “cheerlead” for the University through their volunteer efforts and philanthropic endeavors in the Estate Society and the President’s Circle.
Hickey is a founding member of Newport Board Group, LLC, a national consulting firm. After an extensive career with Johnson & Johnson, during which he held senior management positions, Hickey served as the CEO and president of two publicly traded startup companies. In addition, Hickey has served on the board of directors of health care companies and is actively involved in several nonprofit organizations.
Hickey is a past member of the University’s Alumni Society Advisory Board, and he received the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017 in recognition of his commitment to Ignatian values and his pursuit of professional and personal excellence. He and Gen recently joined the Estate Society by naming the University as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy that will fund an endowed scholarship.
What is it about this University that inspires you?
Over the 50 years since I was a student at the University, I have seen incredible growth in (the University’s) physical plant, academic offerings and student body enrollment. Despite all of this change, however, the focus of the faculty and staff has stayed true to the development of the whole person (mind, heart and soul). I can see in today’s students the same zeal and vitality to learn and contribute that was so infectious during my undergraduate days. As I speak with current students, I sense the same love and respect for our University that I felt as an undergraduate and continue to feel as a proud alumnus.
What was your most important consideration when exploring philanthropic options?
My wife and I focus our philanthropy on causes/organizations that are clearly and consistently adding value to those they serve in an economically efficient manner and, very often, where it is an extension of our own volunteer involvement. Based on these simple criteria, Scranton has always ranked high on our list. We feel honored and blessed to be able to increase our financial support to the University and its students through our recent bequest.
When you think of The University of Scranton, what three words come to mind?
Religio. Mores. Cultura.
For helpful planning tools, articles and spotlights on Estate Society members, please visit our website scranton.edu/plannedgiving. For personalized illustrations or options, contact Carol Maculloch, director of Planned Giving, at carol.maculloch@scranton.edu or 570.941.7799.
