Alumnus Found a Special Place in Springfield College
Rick Robinson ’76, G’77, right, shares a passion for Springfield College and the YMCA.
By: Damon Markiewicz
Growing up north of the border in Windsor, Ontario Canada, alumnus Rick Robinson ’76, G’77, had aspirations of earning a spot on the Canadian Olympic gymnastics team. Following an injury that altered his Olympic goals, Rick followed some great advice from a world-renowned leader in sport psychology to explore an education at Springfield College.
“I hurt my knee and following an operation performed by the Canadian Olympic doctors, Terry Orlick recommended me to explore options to go to college in the United States, and specifically Springfield College,” explained Rick.
Writing a letter to Springfield College Men’s Gymnastics coach Frank Wolcott ’52, G’60, Rick started exploring whether he could get accepted for enrollment and continue on the path of a gymnastics student-athlete.
“Coach Wolcott wrote back and expressed that they would love to have me come to Springfield College,” explained Rick. “I grew up in Windsor, Ontario, right across the border from Detroit. I had never been on an airplane before, but I packed up and headed to Springfield. I found it amusing that I flew out of Windsor, and arrived in Windsor Locks, Conn. That is how the journey started.”
When Rick arrived on campus, his first stop was Judd Gymnasia, one of the most iconic buildings on Alden Street. Once Rick stepped inside Judd, he quickly learned the hospitality that makes Springfield College special.
“Gymnastics was housed in Judd back at that time, so in I went and I met my orientation leader,” explained Rick. “It was a great start; they really took care of me and did such a great job welcoming me. I was so impressed, I ended up wanting to be an orientation leader, and I ended up running the orientation program later on in my academic career.”
Inspired to make sure he welcomed incoming students the same way he was welcomed to campus, part of Rick’s responsibilities included interviewing students who were interested in coming to Springfield College. The process became more rewarding than he could have imagined. It was during this orientation process where he connected with a very special person, someone who remains very important in his life.
“I met my wife, Brenda Murphy ’77, through the interviews of first-year students,” explained Rick. “As soon as I met her, I had a feeling this was someone that was very special.”
Soon after arriving on Alden Street together, Brenda and Rick started dating and began enjoying life at Springfield College together. Coach Wolcott was known for taking care of his student-athletes, and he playfully offered some advice to Rick.
“It was funny, Coach Wolcott came up to me and asked me if I knew who Brenda’s uncle was,” explained Rick. “He went on to explain that her uncle was the president of the College at the time, Wilbert Locklin. I went back to Brenda and asked her if she forgot to mention something to me. Everything worked out great for us at the College.”
Rick majored in Psychology for his undergraduate work, followed by earning his master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services. He always had an interest in Psychology in sports, especially in gymnastics. Rick was always talking about setting goals, and one of his goals was to be an All-American. In 1975, he achieved that goal, and after that achievement, he took his focus on his academics to another level.
“In the summer, I decided to stay in the United States and not go home to Canada,” explained Rick. “I found a summer job at Northfield Mount Hermon at a gymnastics camp. During the camp, I ended up meeting the dean of the school and explained that I was looking for a job. The school had an opening for a gymnastics coach and a counselor.”
After five years at Northfield Mount Hermon, Rick shifted his focus to starting his private practice in the Washington, D.C. area where Brenda grew up. Rick ended up getting a job at Georgetown Preparatory School as a school psychologist, employment that lasted for 30 years.
“We had some great years at Georgetown Prep. I coached football, track, and the diving team,” explained Rick. “I explained to members of the diving team, I don’t know how to swim, so once they hit the pool, it’s up to them. Being from Canada, I also helped start the hockey team. I had so many great years there.”
As life continued for Rick, Brenda, and their four kids, a plan was to eventually move to North Carolina. Life events would end up playing a major part in their move to the Tar Heel state.
“My twin daughters were born at 28 weeks and as a result, both have cerebral palsy,” explained Rick. “My daughter Kristin was quadriplegic and only had use of her left hand. Kristin would move to North Carolina to live with her sister Kelly. Our intentions were to always move to North Carolina and have our family together.”
Engraining the family into their community, Kelly ended up starting a charter school and Rick served on the board of directors. The charter was a brain-based school focused on neuroscience and progressive education.
“I ended up doing a lot of work within the school and I was nicknamed ‘Dr. Brain,’ explained Rick. I helped apply for the charter for the school, and Brenda was the business manager overseeing a $15 million budget.”
Enjoying their family time in North Carolina, Rick always stayed true to his roots as someone who just loved to work out and be around the gym. A block from their house was a YMCA, and being a proud Springfield College alumnus, it was only fitting that Rick ended up connecting himself with the YMCA community.
“I ended up getting involved in the YMCA’s capital campaign and being at the lead to help design a new YMCA in our hometown of Harrisburg, North Carolina,” explained Rick. “It was so rewarding to be able to work with architects and help design the new YMCA from the start. It’s right in the center of town at the town park. We have around 3,200 people signed up at the YMCA, so it’s doing very well.”
Rick continues to enjoy staying connected with Springfield College. Most recently, he made a gift to support the Springfield College Men’s Gymnastics Legacy Fund, and he is always looking forward to stopping by campus when he is visiting New England.
“I am so appreciative of how Coach Wolcott took care of his athletes,” explained Rick. “I enjoyed my time at Springfield College. Myself and Brenda want to find ways to support the College. It’s a special place that has positively impacted our lives in so many ways.”
