J. Wesley Robbins joined the IU South Bend faculty in 1967. He was co-founder of the philosophy department, in which he served for 36 years before retiring in 2003. His wife, Roberta, is an alumna of the School of Business and Economics. She served on the Alumni Board for a number of years.
Robbins spent his entire teaching career on campus and he wanted to mark that event with ascholarship. Together, Professor and Mrs. Robbins wanted to make a statement about the importance of the university and students.
Back in 1967, he and Edward Wojciechowski were the only professors of philosophy. Later, the two men developed the major and had it approved.
A few years later, Robbins established a day-long discussion of philosophical issues with an invited speaker. Philosophy Day received support from then Chancellor Lester Wolfson and continues today. “I’m proud of that,” he said.
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The J. Wesley and Roberta Robbins Scholarship will be given to at least a junior in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to students who have an interest in science and religion. The interest must be demonstrated in research or course work.
He was prompted to look at a way to help the campus after he read about a similar gift from a fellow professor. “Actually we did this after we saw an article (in Foundations Spring 2005) about Bill Gering’s (retired speech professor) scholarship. A scholarship helps students and is a lasting memorial,” Robbins said.
A scholarship had more appeal than a plaque or brick, he said. “I always enjoyed teaching. I was fond of the nontraditional students” and what they brought to class. “They were some of the very best students,” Robbins said. “It was a good place.”
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