Sam Troy ’67 continues his loyal philanthropic support of Elon by helping make global engagement possible for students in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.
Sam Troy ’67 embodies what it means to be an engaged Elon alumnus. He answers every call to volunteer for his alma mater and is an enthusiastic champion for Elon in his community. He has also faithfully supported the university with a gift every year since he graduated.
“It is my pleasure and my honor to give to Elon,” Troy said from his home in Greensboro, N.C. “I believe in Elon and this is my way of showing it.”
Troy feels strongly about helping to make global learning experiences possible for Elon students. He traveled abroad regularly during his 29 years working in senior-level positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce and later in the private sector. Both of his scholarships assist students in the Love School of Business with the cost of studying abroad.
“I wanted to establish these two scholarships now so I could see the benefits while I’m still here,” Troy said. “I think international business is important and is going to continue to grow in importance, and if students don’t have an international component to their education, it’s going to severely impact their ability to grow professionally.”
Troy spent part of his education at the College of Europe in Belgium, which was life-changing.
“I thoroughly believe that experience was the foundation for the rest of my career in international business,” he said. “It gave me a more complex view of the world and allowed me to see why things work the way they do. I want Elon students to be able to study abroad for an extended period of time and to give them the same foundation to build on that I had.”
Though retired from the federal government, Troy is still hard at work. For the past 10 years, he has served as executive-in-residence at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His primary focus has been conducting research on and promoting the North Caroline wine industry.
He says he regularly draws on the lessons of compassion and understanding that he learned while studying and working abroad.
“When you talk with people with different views, it helps you formulate decisions because you see their perspective and can find common ground, even on contentious issues,” Troy said. “You’re in a better position to negotiate with people because you understand them better. You understand that we all have the same needs and desires.”
Troy is a member of Order of the Oak, Elon’s planned giving legacy society. He is excited to celebrate his 50th reunion at Homecoming this fall—a milestone that inspired his second scholarship gift.
“I’ve had a remarkable career and great opportunities, and by sharing in this way, I give others a chance to do the same things,” he said. “A scholarship is a way to help others do something they may not be able to do on their own.”
Troy earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Elon and his master’s degree from East Carolina University, as well as a degree in higher European studies from the College of Europe. He credits Elon with giving him a firm foundation for success. It’s one of the many reasons he remains committed to moving his university forward.
“I have been fortunate to have opportunities to stay involved and to watch Elon’s growth,” Troy said. “It makes you feel good that you have been able to be part of a vision that was started many years ago and continues today.”