Through 12 years of night classes, Rago earned an associate’s degree, marketing certificate and ultimately a bachelor’s degree from the Temple University Fox School of Business. Each academic milestone marked a significant step in his career from office assistant to sales manager and eventually through an illustrious resume including management roles at major brands and culminating as the president and CEO of Consultants to Management. Rago credits much of his success to the unwavering support from Temple and the opportunity afforded by his employer, who contributed financially to his education. 

“Temple provides an amazing environment to learn, grow and collaborate, in a prime location near the best internship opportunities from prestigious hospitals to sporting centers. The instructors were instrumental in guiding me through my degrees with their unwavering support. Because of this, Temple produces some of the top talent and as graduates who have seen the ‘return on degree,’ it’s our responsibility to give back, whether it's $25, $1,000 or creating a scholarship," expresses Rago. 

His dedication to Temple University is evident through his active board positions, and his establishment of three scholarships, underscoring his commitment to providing students with the same transformative opportunities he once received. His generosity has since impacted countless students, including Bryan Huang. 

Huang, a fellow first-generation college student, faced financial hardships that almost derailed his academic journey. He was balancing multiple part-time jobs just to make ends meet; however, when COVID hit, deeply affecting the service industry, it became even tougher to keep his head above water. “I lost my job, but I was living alone, and I had bills,” he recalls. “I took multiple gigs such as driving for Uber, security, maintenance and anything I could.” 

During his time at Temple, Huang maximized every opportunity and built outstanding leadership skills. Starting with ROTC, he later pursued multiple internships and participated with student organizations like Ascend and the American Marketing Association's Cherry Consulting, serving as president of Ascend twice and gaining hands-on experience in business consulting.  

However, Huang found himself in a stressful situation in his senior year. With a job offer on the line contingent upon graduation, he was unable to register for his last semester because of an outstanding tuition balance. Due to a less than perfect GPA caused by his numerous responsibilities, which hindered his ability to fully focus on academics, Huang initially considered a scholarship to be unlikely. However, he persevered in seeking out his opportunity. When he was awarded the Nicholas A. Rago Endowed Scholarship Fund, it was an endorsement of his impressive leadership experience. Rago strongly advocates for offering inclusive scholarships to those accepted to Temple, emphasizing qualifications beyond flawless academics or athletic achievements. 

"I was deeply grateful because I had no other options. This scholarship was a lifeline, allowing me to graduate on time and start my career without significant debt weighing me down. It also relieved so much pressure that I finished my semester with straight As for the first time ever," reveals Huang. 

Shortly after graduation, Huang started his career in the corporate accounting world, but quickly his journey came full circle when he returned to the nest as a senior development specialist.  

“I was a tech risk consultant at a big four accounting firm. I made it, right? But I felt I could have a greater impact. I wanted to work for Temple because I wanted to make sure other ‘Bryans’ could find the support l found in Mr. Rago,” asserts Huang. 

Meeting Rago at a scholarship reception was a poignant experience for Huang. "I wanted to thank him in person," Huang remembers. "This scholarship changed the trajectory of my life. It inspired me to succeed and join this important mission.” Rago, reflecting on Bryan's story and the ripple effect of his philanthropy, emphasized the importance of alumni giving.  

“It's one of the best things we could do as graduates—help students become better business professionals, doctors, nurses, communicators and just better people who are equipped with the tools to help themselves. They are the future of the country. Also investing in your university to continue the population of amazing Temple students and faculty makes your alma mater stronger and your degree more valuable,” emphasizes Rago. 

Rago’s commitment to Temple embodies a belief in the university's mission to create access to a world-class education for the aspiring leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Temple University emphasizes the transformative power of education and the role of scholarships in removing barriers to success through initiatives like Made for More. This three-year scholarship initiative aims to raise $125 million to support students with the help of generous alumni and donors like Nicholas Rago.  

"Made for More is a testament to the Temple community’s commitment to opportunity. Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Work hard, learn continuously and hope for the opportunity.’ I've been fortunate to get the opportunity, yet so many talented, dedicated students may not unless we step in. As Temple alumni, we've been entrusted with that torch, and it's our tradition to pass it on," affirms Rago. 

Huang echoes this sentiment by stating, “My Temple experience is all about overcoming, being met with gracious hands and people that are willing to help. It's tremendous to now be a part of that cycle.”