 |
||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
 |
Robbie L. (Robbie) |
|||||||||||
| The operative word for 1997's Citizen of the Year Award winner, Robbie Robinson, is love. Throughout his active life and in the many services that he has performed for Berea citizens and Berea institutions, Robbie (the name by which he has been known since college) has consistently been motivated by the love he feels for his God, his church, his community, his family and for his fellow man. Robbie is known for hugs - he's a hugger. What better way to show his concerns for the cares of mankind and his deep desires to be an activist in doing good works! Robbie Robinson was born in Lansing, Mich. and educated in the schools there. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1948 after taking time out for military service in the U. S. Army, Soon thereafter he moved to Fostoria, OH and joined the Union Carbide Corp. as a chemical and patent engineer. He and his late wife, Mary Lou, and the family moved to Berea in 1965. After retiring in 1980, Robbie was able to give greater attention to the ministries of the United Methodist Church of Berea, which he served as a lay minister for many years. He is still active in the church, especially with youth, serving on many committees, making hospital and home calls and making certain that no newcomer to the church ever leaves a stranger. His love for and long experience in working with youth brought Robbie and Mary Lou to Berea High School, where for years he has served in important volunteer capacities, including Senior Volunteer Coordinator. He is a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of BHS activities, including sports, drama and music. His work with youth at Berea High brought him into contact with A.F.S., American Field Service, where he has served as host, mentor, president and hardworking supporter for some 30 years. Robbie has two grown children of his own, David and Jan, but he has an A.F.S. "daughter" in Italy, whom he and Mary Lou hosted, who still calls him "Dad." No lonesome A.F.S. student at Berea or Midpark ever is in need of help, a ride, a pat on the back (hug to Robbie), a willing ear or just someone to care, that Robbie isn't there. Robbie lives on Woodlawn Circle and his hobbies are travel, gardening, woodworking and softball. Oh yes, and hugs. Being there when someone is in need is the special gift of this special man, the 31st winner of the Grindstone Award, a designation he richly deserves. |
||||||||||||
| Presented April 24, 1998 | Harley Hotel, Middleburg Heights, Ohio | |||||||||||