Robert and Joan Robinson receive COTC Legends of Loyalty Award
Award: Bonnie L. Coe, Ph.D., president of COTC, is pictured at right with Robert and Joan Robinson. Photo contributed to The Beacon
NEWARK – Two longtime friends of Central Ohio Technical College got quite a surprise on Tuesday, December 15, when COTC President Bonnie L. Coe, Ph.D., showed up at their senior living facility, Friendship Village of Dublin, to present them with one of the college’s highest honors. Robert and Joan Robinson, known as Robby and Jodie to their friends and family, were given the 2015 COTC Legends of Loyalty award.
The Office of the President established the Legends of Loyalty award to identify and recognize dedication and commitment to the college. It spotlights individuals who have, over the years, made a significant impact on the history of the college, and have gone above and beyond their required duties and proven unselfish allegiance.
“This award has been given in the past to the founders of the college,” said Coe. “We are here today to induct you, Robby and Jodie, into that elite group of people. You are a wonderful example of Legends of Loyalty for the college.”
The Robinsons lived in Coshocton and became involved with COTC in 1995. Robby Robinson was appointed to the College’s Board of Trustees by then-Governor George V. Voinovich, and Robinson held that position for the next 12 years. His role as a board member allowed him to be instrumental in the development of the COTC Coshocton campus. Robinson helped convince many in the Coshocton community of the value a college would bring to their city.
Dr. Coe read portions of the Legends of Loyalty nomination letter written by COTC Assistant Director of Development Kim Barton when presenting the award. The Robinsons were overcome with emotion during the presentation, as many of their family members surprised them by coming to the event. COTC Board Members Barry Riley and Marion Sutton were in attendance, as well as several senior staff members.
“It is my honor to present the highest and most prestigious award our college can bestow to Robby and Jodie Robinson,” said Coe.
Robby Robinson made a short speech when accepting the award.
“This doesn’t happen to me often, but I am speechless,” he said. “I had a wonderful time when I was working with COTC, and we are so appreciative of this honor.”
The Robinsons were given an engraved, commemorative clock to mark the occasion. A donation of $1,000 will be made toward student scholarships in their honor, and their names will be placed on a Legends of Loyalty plaque that hangs prominently in the COTC Office of the President.
Central Ohio Technical College is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs, as well as encouraging the professional development of students, staff, faculty and administrators to assist them in achieving their maximum potential. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.
Category: Education
