Being successful is all about finding the right balance, and Robert Gebbie manages to maintain it in a myriad of ways.
“It’s hard to run a balanced life as a student, but Oakland University made it possible for me,” says Gebbie (CAS ’76) who earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at OU.
Gebbie was attracted to the many opportunities OU offered and the freedom given to pursue his interests, which is “rare for college students today,” he says. He received academic and student life scholarships in addition to a swimming scholarship that allowed him to be part of a championship team.
After graduating from OU, Gebbie continued his educational pursuit by earning his graduate degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Indiana University.
“I loved being an engineer, but I wanted to learn the business side of business,” he explains.
His career path also reflects his love of variety.
Noting that the same management skills are needed regardless of where you go, Gebbie encourages others to take an opportunistic approach to the field of business, as well as to find pleasure in their employment.
“You shouldn’t limit yourself to an industry,” says Gebbie. “Every job I’ve had has been unique and I’ve loved each one … The key to enjoying your job is to create opportunities that merge business with pleasure.”
An experienced manager and consultant, Gebbie and is an expert at merging his interests with business.
The positions he’s held for profit and non-profit organizations reflect his variety: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for both the United States Tennis Association and the Guggenheim Museum; Senior Vice President of Chemical Bank; principal with ERI, a diversified holding company; and manager at both Exxon and Cummins Engine.
An avid supporter of education and culture, Gebbie has also worked with the American Museum of Natural History, where he helped in the development of dinosaur and Gobi Desert exhibits, among others.
Today he works for Edunet24, a company that focuses on English learning technology, and Natural Bridge Technologies, a provider of technological services. He also has a part in the development of Sports Nation 360. An application of the company For Sports, it allows parents to stay connected with their kids’ busy sports schedule by means of mobile applications like message alerts that keep you updated with times and scores.
Gebbie, also interested in reaching back, has a hand in Oakland University’s future through his role as an advisory board member for the College of Arts and Sciences. “Though time and distance make it hard, I’m glad to give back as much as I can,” he says. “And I encourage all alumni to look at their connection with their university as lifelong.”
Michael Sandula is a junior, major undecided, from Dryden, Mich.