Pio Connect: Paying It Forward

Being a Pioneer?means leading the way for others, and being members of the Long Blue Line, Pioneers are always looking for ways to pay it forward. Marietta College alumni Patrick Moran (’18), Mike Moran (’90), Gregg Dyakon (’17), and Tristan Kozel (’18), founders of Royse Partners Limited, ensured summer ’23 was a success for current students Alexis Sommers (’25) and Bryce Moyers (’26). The two packed their bags and headed to Houston, TX for their internships with Royse Partners. Alexis spent her summer as a Marketing intern, and Bryce served as a Business Analyst intern with the firm. Royse Partners is an independent boutique consulting firm that specializes in Federal Tax Credits and Incentives, Management and Energy Consulting, and Private Equity Investments.

Why Marietta College students? With an office in Houston, TX and Columbus, OH, Royse Partners has access to many students from many institutions across the states and the Gulf Coast. When asked how his time at Marietta impacted him, Patrick reminisced fondly on his time as a student and recalled how two alumni hired him at Artex Oil Company, an upstream oil and gas operator, as an intern. He stated, “This was a huge opportunity for me as a young professional to obtain business acumen, gain exposure to the oilfield, and begin sharpening my skills. We wanted to create a similar opportunity for Marietta students and continue the tradition of the Long Blue Line.” Patrick knew how he wanted to pay it forward.

“Marietta students can contribute to work outside of their respective majors due to the Liberal Arts curriculum at the College.” – Patrick Moran (‘18)

Patrick has nothing but glowing remarks for his fellow Pioneers and he feels they stand out among other intern applicants stating, “Marietta students can contribute to work outside of their respective majors due to the Liberal Arts curriculum at the College.” Anyone who has stepped foot on Marietta’s campus knows the pride we have for our Liberal Arts Foundation. Alexis and Bryce exceeded expectations in their respective roles and because of that success, Royse is pleased to be expanding their summer internship program. Royse Partners is a small specialty consulting firm and Alexis, who is studying Entrepreneurship and Leadership, enjoyed the comradery fostered by the close-knit team. She was encouraged to consistently learn, and she also added that she was “able to interact and learn from each department”. Bryce, who is majoring in Finance and is pursuing a double minor in Accounting and Management, felt even as a freshman entering his sophomore year, he could build his current skills and prepare himself for the upcoming semester and his future career. He knew this was an incredible learning opportunity.

It can be a daunting task moving to an unknown place. Royse Partners recognized that this would be a massive transition for both Alexis and Bryce, and they wanted to ensure the two interns were successful in their summer internships. Royse Partners provided rent assisted living subsidies and vetted leases for all interns. Patrick said that they focused on fostering a sense of community in the office by pairing Alexis and Bryce up with fellow interns who were local, and they were also assigned mentors. Alexis admitted that in the early days in Houston it was an adjustment being far away from home. Royse Partners and other Houston alumni stepped in and provided support. Patrick and his partners hosted multiple company outings such as bowling, minigolf, and team dinners. Houston quickly became home away from home.

Houston alumni also rallied around the interns. Alexis and Bryce were among many students interning in Houston over the summer. The local alumni hosted a networking event cheering on the Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium for interns and incoming freshmen to attend. “Being in a new environment can be intimidating” Patrick acknowledged, and he and Royse Partners took it upon themselves to ensure?

Alexis and Bryce had a successful and impactful summer. Alexis and Bryce

had a special summer because of the southern hospitality shown by Patrick and his partners.?

Royse Partners is excited to pay it forward again by hosting more interns in 2024!