On April 8, 2024, the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees, in recognition of Rob Lieblein’s outstanding philanthropy and commitment to Shippensburg University and its students, named the former Grove Forum, the Rob Lieblein and Alera Group Forum.
Rob, a 1983 Ship grad with a degree in accounting and mathematics/computer science, he began his professional career at KPMG and enjoyed success there for the next 13 years. Always having the desire to be an entrepreneur, Rob left KPMG and started a business with his good friend, John Zentgraf ’80. Over the years, Rob and John acquired several companies, and at the same time started a consulting and investment banking firm that ultimately became focused on the insurance industry. Rob focused his efforts on consulting and investment banking in the insurance industry which led to him being recognized throughout the country as one of the leading investment bankers in the insurance distribution industry. In 2017, to follow his dream of being an entrepreneur, Rob formed the Alera Group. Alera Group is an independent, national insurance and financial services firm created through the merger of 24 like-minded, high-performing, entrepreneurial companies.
While Shippensburg was a tremendous educational opportunity for Rob, the experience went beyond academics and helped to shape his personal and professional life. As a first-year student, Rob joined the Acacia Fraternity, and those experiences and relationships still exist today. Currently, Rob serves on the John L. Grove College of Business Advisory Board, and in 2022, Shippensburg University honored Rob with the Jesse S. Heiges Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his achievements and contributions professionally and in his community.
Giving back to Shippensburg has always been a goal for Rob. “Shippensburg was a life-changing experience for me,” Rob remarks. “From the educational environment that allowed me to be successful in various career opportunities, to the lifelong friends I met who continue to be my best friends. The experience was amazing, and I want others to have the same opportunity.” In 2022, Rob established the Robert J. Lieblein College of Business Scholarship to help deserving students live the Shippensburg University experience. The same year, he made a generous gift to renovate and enhance the Forum in the John L. Grove College of Business so current and future students can benefit from this great learning facility.
