The School of Law is pleased to share that a scholarship fund named in memory of civil rights attorney and alumnus Robert E. “Robbie” Robinson has been endowed.
The Robinson Endowment will now be able to permanently honor the late legal leader by assisting those who come from rural or legally underserved communities in Georgia, have a desire to serve those communities and/or plan to pursue public interest work in service to our state.
The origins of this fund stem from a UGA New Approaches to Promote Diversity and Inclusion 2019 grant, which was supported by both the Office of the President and the School of Law. The program sought to break down some of the barriers that exist to entering law school, not only by providing financial aid but also by creating an environment where personalized support was more readily available.
“The Robinson Scholars program has proven to be invaluable in our efforts to recruit and support students from underserved areas of the state and to date has played a critical role in the academic success and professional development of this growing cohort of scholars,” Assistant Dean for Admissions, Diversity and Inclusion & Strategic Initiatives Xavier R. Brown said. “The endowment of the program is a fitting embodiment of the School of Law’s commitment to making legal training accessible and affordable to students of all backgrounds who are passionate about serving the state of Georgia. I am excited that this opportunity will continue to benefit students as a scholarship fund and honor the memory of Mr. Robinson for years to come.”
Ann Robinson, Robert’s widow who refers to the Robinson Scholars as her children, said she is “filled with humility and pride” when she thinks of the wonderful things the School of Law has done in the name of her late husband. “Robert would be ecstatic!” she said.
A 1974 School of Law graduate, Robinson was tragically killed in 1989 by a politically motivated mail bomb that was sent to his Savannah law office. During his lifetime, he represented many individuals who could not afford an attorney, was active in the NAACP and served as an alderman for the city of Savannah.
"This is an extremely proud moment for me and the law school," Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge said. "What started as a pilot project roughly five years ago has grown into what will be a lasting tribute through the help of many – including UGA President Jere W. Morehead (J.D.’80), then-Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic University Initiatives Michelle Garfield Cook, members of the Magnum Opus Honor Society and a special anonymous donor."
Dr. Cook added that the endowment of the Robinson scholarship fund is a point of pride for the entire UGA community. “Increasing access to a legal education honors Robbie Robinson’s legacy and furthers our institutional commitment to reducing financial barriers for all students,” she said.
"As our law school seeks to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school, we are continuing to offer a world-class, hands-on and purpose-driven educational experience that is accessible to all," Rutledge said. "Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support!"
Pictured above are the inaugural Robinson Scholars – Kayla Hope (left), Ashleigh Rasheed-Britt (second from right) and Luis Chavez (right) – with Ann Robinson, Robert Robinson’s widow, at an event held in February 2020.