Rodney Pope, Giving Back

Rodney Pope never took a class at Empire State University. He’s not a member of a board, the faculty, or the staff. All the same, the mission and programs resonate with him, and he’s become one of the college’s most enthusiastic champions.

Rodney came into the fold through David Fullard, Ph.D., a faculty member in Manhattan, and Rodney’s neighbor. “He knew I worked for Turner Construction and thought there could be some opportunities for graduating students here,” says Rodney, senior vice president of employee relations at the commercial construction services firm.

Since his initial introduction to SUNY Empire a few years ago, Rodney’s been meeting with students, helping them with their resumes, and introducing them to his colleagues. Some have even been hired.

 

Affordability and the SUNY Empire Experience

Since meeting students, he’s gotten to understand and appreciate the SUNY Empire experience. “People have a very good opportunity at SUNY Empire to start their educational journey as well as finish,” he says. “One of the big hurdles for people trying to improve themselves educationally is affordability. I like the fact that SUNY Empire is affordable.”

Rodney is also struck by the individual attention that students receive. “I was really impressed by how involved faculty and staff are with the students,” he says. “That individualized attention and the interpersonal relationships can help people with support when they really need it.”

 

The Pope Family Scholarship

Their desire to help led Rodney and his wife Robin Stone, a psychotherapist, to establish the Pope Family Scholarship. In a nod to Rodney’s own educational experience, the scholarship is awarded to historically underrepresented undergraduate students in the greater New York City area who exhibit leadership, embrace diversity, and strive to improve themselves by working as they pursue a college degree.

Rodney’s rationale for the scholarship was simple: “I want to give back. I benefitted by having my start in getting an affordable education, and I want to make sure I can provide opportunities for others in this way, so they can be successful as well.”