September 10, 2022
Estill’s gift will support capital improvements to athletic facilities and equipment. He has also established the Robert I. Estill Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will support students who qualify for financial aid.
“Today we celebrate Bob’s extraordinary philanthropy, specifically his generous contributions to the athletics program and a significant scholarship fund,” said University President Jonathan Green. “His support enables us to provide our student-athletes — which make up 25% of our student population — with state-of-the-art facilities while helping us to continue realizing one of our most important aspirations, which is to make a Susquehanna education attainable for deserving students.
“We offer our sincere thanks to Bob for his generous gift to the university and its students — current and future.”
The 51,000-square-foot Robert I. Estill Field House features four multi-sport courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball. It includes indoor team practice space for field sports; and an indoor, six-lane, 200-meter track. The floor-to-ceiling glass wall provides natural light and a view of the adjacent Doug Arthur Stadium.
“As a private university, Susquehanna relies on the generosity of individuals like Bob to help us provide our students access to truly transformative experiences,” said Vice President for Advancement Melissa Komora. “We are grateful for the philanthropic support that is integral to the university’s ability to provide more scholarships and to make capital improvements to our facilities.”
As a student at Susquehanna, Estill was an accomplished athlete, playing multiple intramural sports and varsity football under Head Coach Jim Garrett and Coach Bob Pitello as an offensive tackle and a captain. Estill also was a member of the university’s business society and was a brother of Phi Mu Delta. After graduating, he led a successful career in accounting, construction and real estate, attributing his success in business to his football coaches.
“One thing that has always struck me, is the sheer amount of unwavering support that our alumni show our athletes. Alumni are just as invested in student success – both in competition and in the classroom – as the students are themselves,” said Athletic Director Sharief Hashim. “Just like the leadership he showed on the football field, Bob leads his fellow alumni by example – with generous support of Susquehanna’s athletic program, its facilities and, most importantly, its students.”
This year, Susquehanna won the Landmark Conference President’s Trophy for the best overall athletics program in the conference. It marked the fifth time Susquehanna won the trophy, making the River Hawks one of two teams to win the conference trophy most often since its inception in 2008.