Funding for Real-World Learning
Funding the future of Education & Research
Dedicated funds and scholarships at Susquehanna University go beyond traditional financial aid, offering students transformative hands-on learning experiences in fields like law, finance, entrepreneurship and international business.
Through competitions, real-world portfolio management, seed funding for ventures and global internships, these opportunities empower students to develop critical skills and gain invaluable practical knowledge to shape their future success.
Hands-On Learning At Susquehanna University
Funds & Scholarships
Gene Urey Scholarship Competition
Established in memory of long-serving Susquehanna University political science professor, Gene R. Urey, this scholarship recognizes students demonstrating exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills in constitutional law. Awarded annually through a competition in which top political science and legal studies students argue a real-life case, the scholarship emphasizes advocacy and accuracy in legal reasoning.
River Hawk Investment Fund
A real-world investment portfolio managed by finance students in a 400-level course at Sigmund Weis School of Business, this fund allows students to work in industry-focused groups, use Bloomberg Terminals and conduct in-depth financial research to make investment recommendations for $180,000 in Student Government Association funds. The goal is to generate returns while gaining invaluable, risk-free investment management experience under the guidance of faculty and an advisory board of administrators and alumni.
Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund
Created by alumni with a family history of entrepreneurship, the Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund supports students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures by providing seed funding for entrepreneurship majors’ capstone projects and offering up to $2,000 annually to any student with a developing business idea.
Eric Stein Fund for International Experience
Established by alumnus Eric Stein ’69, The Eric Stein Fund for International Experience provides Sigmund Weis School of Business students with opportunities to complete internships globally, fostering their global business competency and cultural awareness. This endowment enables students to gain valuable international work experience and broaden their perspectives by spending their summers working in companies across various countries.
The Build Collaborative
Do you have an idea for a short film, a philanthropic or community event, a documentary, a literary, theatrical, or music production, a pop-up business, a digital or hard copy publication or a museum exhibition? Be a Build Collaborative fellow.
Bailey Blaschak ’25
Bailey Blaschak, from Dillsburg, Pa., is a senior legal studies major and a four-year member of the football team. Throughout his time at Susquehanna, he has completed internships with the Union County Public Defender’s Office, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ Bureau of Reentry Coordination and Magisterial District Court 08-3-04, gaining hands-on experience in various facets of the U.S. justice system. These experiences have helped him develop leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Upon graduating in May, Bailey plans to pursue a career in law enforcement, aiming to positively impact his community by serving as a police officer.
Jonathan Ulicny ’27
Jonathan Ulicny, from Tamaqua, Pa., is a sophomore legal studies major with a minor in management and is a member of the pre-law and honors programs. At Susquehanna, he has been named to Dean’s List each semester. In addition, he participates in several clubs and organization, including serving as parliamentarian of the Student Government Association, treasurer of the Pre-Law Society and recruitment chair of Theta Chi fraternity. Jonathan works in the Leadership & Engagement Office, Department of Political Science and Union County Public Defender’s Office. Jonathan plans to attend law school before becoming a practicing attorney.
Scholarship Competition Mentors: Bruce Ficken ’70, Ryan Gleason ’04 and Thomas Sutcliffe ’06.
Case to be Argued
Mahmoud v. Taylor
Determining whether public schools burden parents’ religious exercise when they compel elementary school children to participate in instruction on gender and sexuality against their parents’ religious convictions and without notice or opportunity to opt out.
Scholarship Competition Judges: Amanda DiPolvere ’96, James Kleman Jr. ’98, Michael Piecuch and Rachel Wiest-Benner ’97.
Gene Raymond Urey, professor of political science at Susquehanna University from 1965-1999, touched the lives of many people. In 2001, friends and family members established the Gene R. Urey Memorial Scholarship Fund to celebrate his passion for teaching, working with young people and studying the U.S. Constitution.
Susquehanna University is privileged to continue his legacy through the scholarship program that bears his name, and recognizes and rewards those students who, through the study of constitutional law and American government, have become critical thinkers, insightful analysts and articulate speakers.
River Hawk Investment Fund
Boosting Students’ Investment Experience
Susquehanna finance students gain hands-on investment management skills conducting research and making investment recommendations reviewed by an advisory board, providing invaluable, risk-free Wall Street experience.
Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund
New fund supports student business ventures
The Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund made the first Student Startup Market possible in 2024, where 20 students showcased and sold their diverse ventures.
Eric Stein Fund for International Experience
From Classroom to Coastlines: Interning Around the World
Business students gain invaluable global work experience and cultural immersion through summer internships abroad. Students apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, learn crucial professional skills and often connect their personal interests with their internships, enhancing career prospects and broadening global perspectives.
The Build Collaborative
Shape your ideaS through active learning & project management
Build Collaborative Fellows enroll in the Build Collaborative Lab, BILD-400, and earn academic credits of 2 to 4 semester hours that can be used to satisfy a capstone, practicum or other degree requirement.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Straight from the Nest
“The greatest lesson I learned through my Stein Fund experience is to ask questions and get to know who you are working with. I hope this experience prepares me well for my future career goals by giving me firsthand experience in international business.”
— Amara Bookheimer ’25
“The Urey Scholarship Competition benefitted me in so many ways. The competition allowed me to take what I have been learning for the past four years and put it into practice. I do not yet know what area of law I want to practice, but I know I want to be in the courtroom advocating for others.”
— Morgan Engle ’22
“Thanks to the Stein Fund, I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to intern at ARIA Research in Australia, working with projects that drive real-world impact and embracing a culture of innovation. This global opportunity has enriched my growth, allowing me to collaborate with accomplished researchers and expand my network within the vibrant Australian tech community.”
— Tatiana Perez ’25
“Thanks to the Stein Fund, I served as a marketing intern with BIG to experience Barcelona’s vibrant artistic community, while developing my skills to promote performances and workshops. The opportunity to blend both of my passions would provide a fulfilling career contributing to the longevity of the arts community while expressing myself in the best way I know.”
— Autumn DeCosmo ’25
“I am most grateful for the valuable insight into the professional field I’ve been able to gain because of the Stein Fund. Being able to get an up-close look at how people communicate and articulate ideas is an exposure I am thankful for. I want to thank the Stein family for their incredible generosity and support that gives me and other students opportunities to learn these valuable lessons.”
— Eli Markle ’25