Bob Sebo, Salem resident and retired executive of Paychex Inc., has been named chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bowling Green State University. It's a volunteer role he takes great pride in.

“It’s humbling to be able to lead my alma mater,” Sebo said. “It is particularly an honor to serve as chair in 2010 as BGSU celebrates its 100th Anniversary.”

Sebo, a 1958 graduate, was first appointed to the BGSU board by Governor Robert Taft  in 2002. He notes that he became interested in taking on a volunteer role at BGSU through his love of football.

And while playing a part in the future of the University has been particularly meaningful, Sebo notes another benefit volunteers enjoy as well, which may remind them of their own college days.

"You learn so much as a volunteer, whether you want to or not," says Sebo. "I know I have, and that's why I would encourage anyone to volunteer for BGSU. It's a real learning experience."

 When reflecting on his time as a student, he points out the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, something that served him well during his professional career.

"I used to pay close attention to what worked for certain people, and what didn't seem to work so well. That's really stuck with me, to just capitalize on the things that work."   

Sebo’s half-century relationship with the University includes membership in the Presidents Club, Heritage Society, Falcon Club and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He also provided the lead gift for construction of the Sebo Athletic Center—named in his honor—and was instrumental in its development. 

In addition, he established the Bob Sebo Football Scholarship, the Bob Sebo Endowed Scholarship in Jazz Studies and the Bob Sebo Lecture Series in Entrepreneurship in the College of Business Administration.

Questions?  To learn how you can volunteer for BGSU in an area you're passionate about, please call (888) 839-2586 or e-mail alumni@bgsu.edu.