Robert McFarland, BBA ’23, is proud to say he's been a lifelong fan of the Temple Owls, not only because of its sports teams, but also because his dad attended Temple University. 

“I grew up watching Temple baseball and basketball games,” McFarland says. And beginning next week, he can attend those games as an alumnus after earning his degree in finance from the Fox School of Business. 

Given that he was already familiar with the university, it felt natural for McFarland to choose Temple.  

“Throughout high school, Temple was always on my list of options,” says McFarland who grew up in nearby Ambler, Montgomery County. 

“I did not always plan on being a finance major,” he says. “In high school, I focused on engineering and expected to pursue computer science in college. However, I wanted to have both technical and social aspects to my job and found finance would be a great mix of both.” 

During his time at the Fox School, McFarland has been actively practicing and expanding his financial skills—while also keeping his own financial future in mind. 

“One course that I found unique was about retirement plans,” he says. “It is a risk management course, but it teaches both professional and practical knowledge. I feel confident in my ability to set myself up with a retirement account that will leave me with enough money to retire how I want.” 

As undergraduate experience comes to a close, McFarland is also wrapping up his time serving as the portfolio manager for The William C. Dunkelberg Owl Fund, the university’s student-managed investment fund.  

“The Owl Fund has been the best part of my experience at Temple,” he says. “It is important because it surrounded me with peers who were driven and intellectually curious. It is a great group of people that strives to better each other, and ultimately manages funds for Temple and contributes to a scholarship for Fox students.” 

In addition to the Owl Fund, McFarland has also continued his interest in sports during his time at Temple. He plays outfield for the university’s club team as well as serves as the organization’s president. 

He says that although he will miss the people he’s met and connected with through both the Owl Fund and baseball team, he is excited to begin his career as an analyst on the healthcare team at LLR Partners. 

Advice to the Fox Class of 2027: 

Join clubs and get active as soon as you can. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, everyone else is new and the only way to grow is to make yourself uncomfortable.