MacEwan University is mourning the loss of Bill Robbins, a passionate entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist whose generosity has left a lasting legacy on the city of Edmonton, MacEwan University and countless MacEwan students and alumni.
Robbins was born and raised in Texas, spending his childhood in the communities of Reagan and Baytown. He attended Baylor University where he received a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws and a Juris Doctor. In 1971 he founded North American Corporation, which principally engages in consulting, finance, investments, and oil, gas and energy activities. His work took him to many locations around the world, including Edmonton, where he established lasting connections.
Along with his wife, Mary Jo, Robbins was passionate about sharing his Christian faith and supporting many causes, including post-secondary education, health care and performing arts. It was through these interests that a relationship with MacEwan University was established.
In 2007, the Robbins family gifted MacEwan University with $5 million toward the construction of a building to house state-of-the-art learning spaces for the university’s Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Health and Community Studies programs – the single largest donation MacEwan has received to date. This gift provided a critical investment to support the construction of the building, which was named the Robbins Health Learning Centre.
“In the Robbins family, we found partners for the vision of ensuring everyone has access to high-quality education in world-class facilities,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, president of MacEwan University. “We will be forever grateful for their care and commitment to community. We extend our most sincere condolences to Mary Jo and the rest of the Robbins family for the loss of Bill.”
Over the years, the Robbins family has remained connected to MacEwan, supporting numerous programs and spaces, including the Betty Andrews Recital Hall and the Conservatory of Music. They have also made their mark on other institutions across Edmonton, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Centre, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra,the Citadel Theatre and many more. The Robbins family philanthropy also supported numerous causes in their native Texas, including significant contributions to Bill’s alma mater, Baylor University.
MacEwan University joins the Robbins family in mourning the loss of a great supporter and friend.