Lakeland College received $1 million from alumnus Bill Robinson on January 10. The donation will be used at the Vermilion campus to form an endowment that will fund bursaries for 1st year students that are enrolled full time and attend their studies in-person. The Donation will also be used to support beef cattle initiatives, such as campus farm improvements and applied research projects.

“The college has been a big part of our family for years. I hope that this gift will help the college continue to grow, while also providing financial support to the students who need it most so they can attend the college and get a great education, ” said Robinson.

Robinson graduated from the 2-in-1 Agriculture program in 1958 and returned 30 years later to take electrical training at Lakeland College. Robinson’s father also graduated from the college in 1927 and his mother was Dean of Women for three years.

He said attending the college were some of the best times of his life.

“It helped teach me to do whatever I was doing to the best of my ability, to enjoy what I was doing, to not be afraid to reach out and try other things. I developed close connections with classmates that I really valued,”  said Robinson.

Lakeland College President and CEO, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart thanked Robinson for his donation and ongoing support.

“Bill’s generosity will help us continue to modernize our campus farm, which is used by our more than 650 agricultural sciences students as well as applied research staff,” said Wainwright-Stewart. “In addition, the Bill Robinson Bursary will help remove financial barriers for many students, creating greater access to a Lakeland College education. Bill’s got a big heart and he cares deeply about our college, our current and future students, and our community. We are so appreciative of his amazing support.”

Robinson has been a monthly donor for years and in light of his $1 Million donation, a 150 seat classroom at the Vermilion campus in the WHT Mead Building was named the Lyle and Annabel Robinson Lecture Theatre, which is a tribute to Robinson’s parents.

*Photo above shows Bill Robinson making his donation to Lakeland College. Photo was supplied.*