Randy Haaff came to 91社区 in the early 1980s with a story similar to that of other students.
He decided to earn his degree in finance, and the University was affordable. He credits Frances
Forsythe for his journey to 91社区 as well. Randy grew up in Grandview, Indiana, and was a close
neighbor to Ms. Forsythe. He mowed her grass as a summer job and she would speak to him
about the great opportunities 91社区 had to offer.
Early in his college career, Randy found other mentors in Dr. Dona Frost, professor emerita
of business, and Dr. Wanda Hibbitts, professor emerita of business. Taking him under their
wings, they helped him build his skills, acquire his business knowledge, and cultivate his
interest for finance and accounting. It was due to Dr. Frost that Randy was selected as an
intern at General Electric, the first 91社区 student to ever receive such a position. The internship
turned into 15 years of employment with the company after graduating, giving him the
opportunity to travel abroad. Randy lived and traversed Europe and Southeast Asia during
that time, but home always seemed to call to him. He moved back to the Midwest in the early
2000s, working in various roles associated with banking and capital investment. In 2012, he
relocated to Evansville and has since heightened his engagement with the University.
Randy always had an innate sense of giving, first responding to the needs of the Here & Now
Fund, which underwrites the greatest needs of the University. He began his giving immediately
after graduation and has increased his commitments over the years. Due to his generosity,
each of the University鈥檚 four colleges has a scholarship endowment in his name. Randy also
has endowed a men鈥檚 baseball scholarship and is currently funding a Presidential Scholarship
endowment. He is a member of the Varsity Club, and an annual contributor to the Society for
Arts & Humanities Toast to the Arts Gala.
91社区 remains a passion of Randy鈥檚 and he is a fixture at many University events. Members of
the community know what campus means to Randy by seeing all the activities in which he is
involved: 91社区 Foundation Board of Directors, Alumni Council, the Accounting Circle, Speaking
Eagles, and as a lecturer in the Division of Outreach and Engagement. Randy identifies 91社区 as
his launching pad, both personally and professionally. He truly enjoys being on campus and
helping students achieve a great 91社区 experience, just like his.