Robinson, Arthur L. Memorial Chemistry Scholarship
The Arthur L. Robinson Memorial Chemistry Scholarship was established to commemorate the life-long career of Mr. Robinson. Arthur L. "Robbie" Robinson was born in 1920 in Greentown, Ohio. He was a 1938 graduate of Akron’s Garfield High School. His father passed away when he was 17. He paid his way through college by working nights at one of the local BFGoodrich plants. He attended The University of Akron and was one of 14 students to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1942.
Mr. Robinson then began his career as a lab chemist at BFGoodrich. He enjoyed several promotions, eventually becoming chief chemist at the BFGoodrich facility in Texas. He returned to Akron in 1945 as chief chemist for BFGoodrich Chemical Company. In 1949, he took a position with Harwick Standard Chemical Company. During his career there he held positions in sales, as a branch manager, and vice president in Illinois. He returned to Akron headquarters as national sales manager in 1963. He later was promoted to executive vice president, then president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Robinson remained chairman from 1975 until his retirement in 1986. Mr. Robinson always credited his success to honesty, hard work, and the good start he received in his career in chemistry at The University of Akron. He was a lifelong advocate of the benefits of higher education and always encouraged friends, employees, and relatives to continue their education. He believed his classes in chemistry taught him logical thinking, which benefited him in chemistry, in business, and in life.
The Arthur L. Robinson Memorial Chemistry Scholarship is to be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student in his/her junior or senior year who is from Summit, Medina, Wayne, Stark, Tuscarawas, or Geauga counties. The recipient must maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher, show financial need, and demonstrate a high standard of personal integrity.