Meet Mary Kate R.

Alumna and Retiree

Mary Kate Robinson has worn many hats on the Hudson Valley campus – student, alumna, employee, alumni association representative and active retiree - but above all, she sees herself as an active supporter of the place where she learned, taught and worked over the span of four decades.

"I have a strong attachment to this place. When I was a student here, it seemed like a much smaller school. You'd be in the same classes with the same students and really get to know your instructors," she said. "There were certain teachers here who helped me turn from a not-very-motivated math student into a math major."

After graduating, Mary Kate returned to the college to work, first in the early 1980s, again from 1994 to 2010. She said she's always looked for ways to support and give back to students at the college, and part of that means giving generously to the Foundation.

Mary Kate has supported the Foundation philanthropically for 21 years in a row, and she continues to give back during her retirement. This year she is excited to support the Bette Frisino Scholarship Fund, which was established in memory of her co-worker. "I knew Bette very well since her office was right next to Financial Aid, where I worked, and we worked together on the Banner steering committee. I'm glad she's being recognized and that her name will be attached to something will help students continue their education."

For several years, Mary Kate's also been involved in the scholarship committee, which chooses the recipients of more than 100 scholarships offered by the Foundation. "I feel strongly about supporting the students. I've been connected with the college in some way since 1972, and I have a strong attachment to this place."