Veterans at top-tier business schools typically comprise about five percent of each incoming class, and Wharton is no different. For Navy veteran Rob Sweeney, W’89, WG’97 and his wife Ellen, helping to grow the number of veterans who come to Wharton seeking to shape new career paths is a key philanthropic focus.
An MBA from Wharton provides extraordinary opportunities but represents a significant financial commitment for veterans who are often supporting young families on modest military salaries. Wharton provides specialized financial aid, advising, and funding for military veterans (undergraduate and graduate) through the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These sources of financial support, combined with other funds from generous donors, enable the School to increase the enrollment of veterans.
As a testament to their commitment to expanding access to veterans, the Sweeneys made a foundational gift establishing the Wharton MBA Fellowship for Military Veterans. Alumni and friends of Wharton who would also like to support this important community can contribute to this fellowship fund at any level. Additionally, the Sweeneys established an undergraduate scholarship for Penn students whose parents are serving or have served in the United States military.
Sweeney, a Philadelphia native, was a member of Penn’s NROTC program as an undergraduate and returned to campus to earn a Wharton MBA after serving six years in the submarine force. “Without an ROTC scholarship I could not have attended Penn as an undergraduate — a formative and life-changing experience,” Sweeney said. “Having worked alongside shipmates far from loved ones, Ellen and I have witnessed first-hand the selfless dedication to country and the significant sacrifices made by families of our military. We are thrilled to help in any small way to contribute to the two communities that have had the most profound impact on our lives: Wharton and the military.”
Following a 22-year distinguished career at Goldman Sachs, Sweeney assumed the newly formed position of President of Sycamore Partners, a consumer and retail-focused private equity firm. He also frequently contributes as a panelist and speaker during Wharton’s Veterans Week, which engages members of the Wharton student community in a dialogue around the experiences of veterans.
Learn about Wharton’s Veterans Club
