Robert Talbot Named New Head of YRF’s Mentor/Intern Program

Bob Talbot has spent a lifetime encouraging young men and women both as a college admissions director and as director of athletics, and he’s not about to stop now. In his new position as Director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Mentor/Intern Program, Bob continues to guide young people on the threshold of a new career.

Bob’s work for the Yellow Ribbon Fund involves introducing members of the U.S. military who are considering a new career path to the many job possibilities open to them. By matching up veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan to mentors and potential employers, he will have a direct impact on their future.

Bob’s people skills have been honed by his past experience. After playing basketball and baseball at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. and Catholic University (he was later inducted into both St. John’s and CUA’s Athletic Halls of Fame) he started his working career teaching history and coaching JV basketball at St. John’s in 1961. He then joined CU in coaching its freshman basketball team, then the Cardinal’s baseball team. His coaching career continued on an upward trajectory as he headed up CU’s athletic department, a position he held from 1992 to 2004. The men’s basketball team won the NCAA Division III national championship in 2001 while he was Athletic Director.

On the academic side, Bob rose through the ranks to become CU’s dean of admissions and financial aid, a position he held until 1992. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Catholic university’s highest honor, the President’s Medal, in 2005.

“I am very excited to be working for the Yellow Ribbon Fund,” says Bob. “I know the importance of helping our country’s heroes and want to help them on whatever career path they choose to follow.”