News from campus and beyond
Marshall Hill ’12 endows Robert Underwood International Speaker Series
Robert Underwood, Department of Business and Accounting.
Marketing and International Business Professor Robert Underwood will retire this semester after 20 years of service to Furman University’s Department of Business and Accounting in his 30-year career in academia. But his name will continue on through a gift from 2012 business administration and management alum Marshall Hill who has endowed the Robert Underwood International Speaker Series.
Hill, senior director of Invest Operations at SoFi, worked with Robert Colas in the Office of Development to create the speaker series that honors Underwood’s dedication to providing students meaningful exposure to international business leaders, ideas and real-world perspectives. Hill and Colas recently presented the announcement to Underwood during an informal meeting in Hipp Hall.
The bell tower-adorned statement reads:
Bob Underwood has played a vital role in bringing international business perspectives into the classroom, enriching the academic experience for Furman students. In recognition of his deep commitment to global engagement and experiential learning, this endowed fund was created to sustain and expand those efforts for future generations.
This fund will support an ongoing speaker series that brings accomplished professionals from across the global business landscape to Furman’s campus. Through classroom visits, discussions, and informal engagement, these speakers will provide students with valuable insights into international markets, leadership, and the complexities of doing business in a global economy.
Funds from the endowment will help cover travel, lodging, meals, and any honorarium associated with hosting these speakers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.
Importantly, Bob will have the opportunity to play a role in shaping the series by helping to identify and connect with speakers, offering guidance on program direction and introducing guests to students. His continued involvement will help preserve the spirit and intent of the series while deepening its impact.
Through this initiative, Furman students will gain ongoing access to global perspectives that challenge, inspire and prepare them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
To support the Robert Underwood International Speaker Series:
- Visit: https://www.furman.edu/clearly-furman/donate/
- Select “Other” from the designation dropdown menu
- Enter “The Robert Underwood International Speaker Series” in the text box