For Mike Boylan ’12, legacy giving is about creating greater access and affordability for future RMU students.
Mike’s connection to Robert Morris University was shaped both in the classroom and behind the scenes. As a student in RMU’s Computer Information Systems program, he participated in a cooperative education experience that allowed him to gain hands-on, real-world experience while completing his degree. Mike completed his co-op at RMU, giving him a unique perspective on how the University operates and the people who support our mission every day.
“I personally feel very connected to RMU because I got great value out of the education,” Mike explains. “Looking back, not only getting a good education and feeling like the professors really cared about the students, but also getting a rare behind-the-scenes appreciation for how universities operate; those two things combined give me a strong tie.”
That experience strengthened his appreciation for RMU and the value of a professionally focused education. As a student, Mike saw firsthand the impact of faculty who were invested in student success, as well as the importance of practical learning that prepares graduates for the workforce.
Over time, that connection naturally evolved into a desire to give back. Legacy giving stood out as a way to ensure RMU would remain part of his long-term legacy. By making a legacy gift, Mike saw an opportunity to support the University in a meaningful way, one that could grow in impact over time and help sustain the programs and opportunities that shaped his own experience.
Mike’s personal circumstances also informed his decision. While he does not have children of his own, he deeply values the role higher education plays in developing capable, well-rounded individuals. Legacy giving allowed him to extend that value to future generations of students.
“One of the reasons that I ultimately ended up deciding to go to RMU was because I was blessed to receive a Presidential Scholarship. There's no more natural place to direct funds when you know it's going to go directly to a student.”
When deciding where to direct his gift, Mike reflected on his own path to RMU. Affordability was a significant factor for his family during the college search process, and receiving a Presidential Scholarship played a key role in making his education possible. Supporting student scholarships felt like the most direct and impactful way to give back, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of students who want to pursue an RMU education.
Throughout his career, Mike has seen the professional strength of RMU graduates in action. He has watched fellow alumni advance into leadership roles across a wide range of industries, bringing both technical expertise and strong communication skills to their organizations. He credits RMU’s emphasis on professional preparation and well-rounded education with setting graduates up for long-term success.
Today, Mike views legacy giving as a powerful way for alumni to shape the future of the University. He values the flexibility it offers and appreciates the ability to direct his gift to the areas where it will have the greatest impact.
Ultimately, Mike’s goal is simple: to help reduce the financial burden of higher education for students who are motivated to succeed. “My intent is greater access and affordability,” he says. “At the end of the day, I'm trying to make sure that if students are interested in RMU and the finances of higher education are a challenge, hopefully this can reduce that burden for them.”
Through his legacy gift, he is helping ensure that access, affordability, and opportunity remain central to the RMU experience for generations to come.