Rollins MBA Rallies Alumni, Professors, Family and Community to Create Memorial Scholarship for Beloved Classmate

The Crummer Graduate School at Rollins College today announced the establishment of the Robert T. Guillem Leader of Tomorrow Memorial Scholarship at a private reception on the Rollins College campus.

The scholarship effort started when Christine Harland Williams (Rollins BA '94, MBA '97), learned last year that her friend and former classmate Robert Guillem lost a three-year battle with cancer in February 2001. In an effort to honor his memory, Williams conceived the scholarship and set out to raise the scholarship funds.

"Isn't it true that leadership often takes the form of service, and inspiration often comes out of tragedy? That is the case with this scholarship," said Christine Williams, president of Harland Communications. "Rob had a love of cultures, history and travel. He was an excellent student, an enthusiastic friend and a courageous, life-loving person. He participated in an International Practica Consulting Project in Ireland in 1996 and raved about the experience later that fall. So, I thought that creating this scholarship to help future Rollins MBA students have a similar international experience would be a fitting way to honor his life and spirit."

Beginning in January 2004, the endowed scholarship will be awarded to one full-time Crummer Graduate School student each year in honor of Robert Guillem (Rollins BA '94, MBA '97) to defray the cost of participating in an international consulting practica sponsored by the Crummer School. The practica allows a team of Rollins MBA students to travel overseas and work on a consulting project, giving them valuable work and life experience.

"International practica provide the students exposure to the global business climate and practical on-the-job experience," said Craig McAllaster, dean of the Crummer School. "This scholarship will provide an opportunity for more students to participate in these valuable opportunities."

With the help of her husband and former classmate Dan Williams, as well as Robert Guillem's mother, Williams wrote to all of her Rollins MBA classmates to tell them about the scholarship effort. Many responded with contributions including family, friends and former co-workers. Contributions were received from all over the country and Equador, the birthplace of Guillem's parents. Publix Super Markets Charities also contributed to the fund. Mr. Guillem worked at Publix for five years while finishing high school and attending Rollins College.

Robert T. Guillem (1972-2001) is survived by his wife Shannon Guillem his mother Grace Guillem and his four older siblings.