|
July 26 2006 -- Leonard H. Robinson Jr., the University’s first-ever diplomat-scholar and the president and chief executive of the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, died at age 63 on Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C.
Following his appointment by U.Va. in August 2004, Robinson helped to inaugurate the innovative Diplomat-Scholars program. He initiated the Ambassador’s Lecture Series to bring foreign dignitaries to Grounds to address the University community and meet personally with students. He was also a founder and host of the International Career Workshop, inviting active diplomats and officials to speak with students. Robinson taught a popular University seminar, “The Politics of Southern Africa,” and held numerous mentoring sessions for all students.
Speaking of Robinson’s impact on the University’s international initiative, Vice President and Provost Gene Block said, “In his short time at U.Va., Leonard Robinson made a spectacular contribution to our international activities and, specifically, to our Diplomat-Scholars program. He will be greatly missed.”
Robinson’s distinguished career spanned more than 30 years in the field of international affairs, with Africa and Asia as his regions of specialization. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1983 to 1985, and was responsible for developing and implementing economic and commercial policy. From 1990 to 1993, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, assuming responsibility for U.S. policy toward Central and West Africa. In this capacity, Robinson’s policy portfolios included Narcotics, Terrorism, Democracy and the Peace Corps for Sub-Sahara Africa. He also directed U.S. diplomatic initiatives designed to resolve civil war in Liberia.
Robinson was president of the U.S. African Development Foundation, established in 1981 to provide official assistance to community-based organizations and grassroots enterprises throughout Africa. He also worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Battelle Memorial Institute and the Peace Corps, where he served as a volunteer in India from 1964 to 1966.
Dr. Leigh Grossman, U.Va.’s vice provost for international affairs, had known Robinson since she was a teenager living abroad. She believes that his stature in the field of international affairs was an expression of his deeply held values. “For this world, Leonard H. Robinson was a man who was an advocate for the underserved, regardless of nationality, gender, religion, color or status. He modeled this commitment in his professional life, and for those of us fortunate to have known him as a personal friend, it was this daily and equal greeting with all who crossed his path that made him larger than life – a diplomat, a scholar, a teacher and a true friend.”
A native of North Carolina, Robinson received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and attended graduate school at the State University of New York, Binghamton. He also attended post-graduate school at the American University in Washington, D.C., and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He held two honorary doctoral degrees.
Robinson authored numerous articles and publications, and served on boards and advisory councils, including the National Peace Corps Association and the Discovery Channel’s Global Education Fund. A frequent speaker, he made presentations around the world. In 2003, before officially joining the University, Robinson appeared as a speaker for the University’s Miller Center of Public Affairs Forum Series.
Robinson is survived by two daughters, Rani Robinson of Washington, D.C., and Kemberley Robinson of Houston, Texas; his mother, Winnie T. Robinson, of Durham, North Carolina; and a brother, Dr. Michael Robinson, of Los Angeles, California.
A mid-August memorial service is being planned in Washington at a date to be determined. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, chair emeritus of the Africa Society board, is scheduled to deliver the eulogy.
The family requests that contributions be made to the Leonard H. Robinson, Jr. Endowment in support of the Africa Society "as a living testimony of all that Leonard sought to achieve." |
Leonard Robinson 