Nearly four decades after a scholarship helped him graduate debt-free, Robert Sanchez has a new scholarship bearing his name. It was created by Ryder at the University of Miami College of Engineering to honor the retiring chairman and CEO's 13-year tenure leading the company, and to help the next generation of students in the same way Sanchez himself was once helped.
Sanchez learned of the scholarship during a retirement recognition event at a Ryder employee recognition and leadership conference in Orlando. The announcement came alongside the company’s highest internal honor, and he had no advance notice of either recognition.
“It was an absolute surprise,” Sanchez said. “It was not something that I had expected, and I’m honored that the company decided to do this.”
The scholarship will provide support to a graduate student from South Florida based on financial need and academic merit. The gift also reflects a long-standing relationship between Ryder and the College of Engineering. Shortly after Sanchez became Ryder’s CEO in 2013, the company sponsored its first engineering capstone project with the college.
“This scholarship is a testament to the longstanding partnership between Ryder and the College of Engineering,” said Vincent Omachonu, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “By investing in future engineers, it will help cultivate the same curiosity and leadership that helped shape Robert Sanchez's journey from a College of Engineering student to a transformative leader at Ryder and his tremendous contributions to the transportation industry.”
For Sanchez, the scholarship represents a full-circle moment.
Sanchez’s mother, Mirta Sanchez, worked in data entry in the registrar’s office for 15 years. His father, Rodolfo Sanchez, studied engineering in Cuba before emigrating to the United States and building a career at Florida Power & Light. He encouraged his son to pursue engineering despite an early interest in journalism.
“Between the scholarship and my mom’s tuition remission, I went to school tuition-free and graduated debt-free,” Sanchez said. “That was quite a gift that I had from the University and from my mother for having worked there.”
That financial flexibility allowed Sanchez to work throughout college and, after graduation, co-found a computer company with several classmates, including Rajeev Ravindran, Ryder’s chief information officer. The two have known each other since their days as engineering students.
“We started a company together 40 years ago,” Ravindran said. “Our paths eventually took us in different directions, but now, as we near the final chapters of our careers, his journey comes full circle with this lasting connection to UM through the scholarship that bears his name. It’s a remarkable way to complete the circle.”
Sanchez credits much of his professional success to lessons learned in the College of Engineering, particularly in the classroom of Professor Mansur Kabuka, who teaches in the department of electrical and computer engineering.
“He was a tough professor. He was different and challenging,” Sanchez recalled. “But as I look back, I learned the most from him because he challenged us to really think through problems and design challenges. Although I am not an engineer today, certainly the problem-solving that I learned at the University has played a big role in my success.”
Colleagues describe Sanchez as a collaborative and approachable leader who inspired dedication from those around him.
“There are some leaders that rule by fear,” Ravindran said. “But with Robert, what I saw was that people didn’t want to let him down. They would do everything to make sure that they delivered for him. That is really hard to instill.”
Amy Federman, Ryder’s chief communications officer, worked closely with Sanchez for eight years and said he remained personally engaged even during the most challenging moments.
Sanchez has served on the University’s Board of Trustees for several years, a role that grew out of Ryder’s relationship with the University.
“The University is a large organization, and leadership matters in large organizations,” he said. “Being on the board has allowed me to get a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening. The good news is the University is as strong as it’s ever been.”
In addition to the scholarship established in his honor, Sanchez and his wife support the College of Engineering through their own philanthropy. He hopes future recipients will view the scholarship not only as financial assistance but also as an opportunity to help others as their careers progress.
“It’s a real honor, and certainly a way of paying it forward,” Sanchez said. “This is going to help the next student who is looking at engineering as an opportunity, without having a significant financial burden when they’re leaving the University.”
Ravindran, who oversees Ryder’s engineering capstone and internship programs, said he plans to remain involved with scholarship recipients as a mentor.
“If there’s somebody that is really talented, hardworking, but just needs that little push, why not help them?” Ravindran said. “The whole goal is for them to pay it forward. I want that ethos to be instilled in the scholarship award winners too.”
To future recipients, Sanchez offered simple advice:
“Enjoy your time at the University. The University has so much to offer. Put in the work that’s necessary to succeed but also find ways to enjoy your time.”
