Eric Linn M’99 was given an educational opportunity at RMU that he will never forget. After his applications to two graduate schools of business were denied, he was accepted to RMU on a probationary admittance.

Now Eric owns a consulting business for clients in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, whom he assists with business operations ranging from payroll to contracts. “When I was pursuing my M.B.A., I wanted to pay more attention to what I was getting out of the classes," he says. "The business information has been such a great help.” He lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife, Lynn, their youngest daughter, Hannah, and their dog, Bentley. Eric is active in the community, serving on the boards of Pilgrim Africa, a Christian organization that assists those in need in Uganda, and Sheldon Calvary Camp, a co-ed camping ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh that assists children in developing meaningful relationships, becoming stewards to the environment, and learning to integrate faith into their everyday lives.

This year, Eric has decided to give back to RMU by participating in its Day of Giving. He has pledged a matching grant of up to $25,000 to endow a scholarship for an incoming student to the School of Business. “Opportunities are very important, and I would know," he says. "If RMU didn’t give me a chance, then I would not be where I am today. The university has been good to me, and I would like to give that opportunity to someone else.”