Oceanside CA— Vice President of Student Services Richard Robertson, who has donated more than $50,000 to fund scholarships since his tenure at MiraCosta College began in 1987, has been named the college’s Philanthropist of the Year.
Dr. Robertson was honored at MiraCosta College’s Annual Spring Celebration of Excellence on April 17.
Dr. Robertson, a passionate advocate for scholarships, generously donates to almost any cause for which he is solicited. In 2013, he and his wife, Pat, established the Sloan/Robertson Endowed Scholarship, in honor of their parents.
“My wife Pat and I believe it is important to give back to the community,” said Dr. Robertson. “We want to help current and future students have access to higher education.”
Dr. Robertson’s philanthropic nature started during the last year of his undergraduate studies when he needed money to help pay for books, transportation and living expenses. The scholarship he received made it possible for him to quit a dishwashing job and concentrate on his senior project. Today, he is “paying it forward” by helping to fund scholarships for current college students.
“We will continue to contribute to educational institutions as long as we are alive,” said Dr. Robertson. “The trust we established will assure that we are contributing even after we are deceased and gives the MiraCosta College Foundation the opportunity to be creative and innovative in supporting student success.”
“Dr. Robertson and his wife’s focus has always been on students and their success,” said Dr. Sunita Cooke, MiraCosta College superintendent/president. “Their generous contributions to the foundation on behalf of student scholarships are the ways they demonstrate that commitment.”
The MiraCosta Cares! Philanthropist of the Year Award is given to a faculty or staff member who has provided or inspired significant financial support to MiraCosta College. In 2012, an anonymous donor established the MiraCosta College Cares Scholarship Endowment in recognition of employee generosity and asked the MiraCosta College Foundation to every year honor a faculty or staff member for their extraordinary philanthropic spirit.