Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Help us raise money to honor the legacy of Wayne E. Robinson, Jr.,
a beloved professor, theatre artist, and friend of FIU Theatre.
For more information or to make a gift to the fund,
contact Oliver Ionita, Senior Director of Development
at 305-348-0045 or oionita@fiu.edu
Funds will be used to create the Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship fund will commemorate Wayne’s legacy at Florida International University, where for 27 years he taught, directed, and inspired generations of FIU Theatre artists. Wayne loved his students, and there is no better way to honor his memory than making it easier for them to hone their talents and reach for their dreams.
All donations raised will benefit the Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. Scholarship Fund. Should the $25,000 goal be reached or surpassed with your donations, the Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. Scholarship Endowment will be established to support scholarships for theatre students in perpetuity.
About Wayne E. Robinson, Jr.
Professor Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. was an actor, director, and professor who was known for his giant heart, tireless passion, and his remarkable talent.
Professor Robinson first joined FIU in 1994 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre where he received tenure in 2000. During his time at FIU, Professor Robinson chaired numerous committees and directed 27 theater productions for FIU Theatre including Gypsy, Twelfth Night, Glengarry Glen Ross, And Then There Were None, and Anna in the Tropics. In 2014, he was named the Head of the Performance Program.
Wayne Robinson graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre in 1982. In 1993, he went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado.
His professional career included acting and directing in over 40 theatre productions in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami. In South Florida, he worked with New Theatre, White Rose Miami, Shakespeare Miami, Alliance Theatre Lab, One Minute Play Festival, and Outre Theatre.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing, working or learning from Professor Robinson described him as being “a bright light in FIU Theatre” and “adored by his students.” He was often the first face that students saw in the Department of Theatre as he conducted most of the department’s auditions for many years. His family, friends, colleagues and former students remember him fondly as “effortlessly optimistic, kindhearted and deeply devoted to his students’ success.” Many of his students often recalled him as the first person to believe in their theatre career.
Professor Robinson left an indelible mark in the hearts of those who knew him during his 26 years of service at FIU. He will be remembered for his dedicated service and profound impact on our FIU community.
This scholarship will cement his legacy at Florida International University by awarding scholarships to talented theatre students. A fitting way to honor the memory of a professor who loved his students.