Building Legacies
Robinson Living Center
Curving in an S shape along the winding rim of a wooded ravine are three traditional living centers named after founding members of the university's governing body: James M. Copeland House, Kenneth W. Robinson House, and Grace Olsen Kistler House. The traditional living centers are coeducational units with separate floors for male and female students connected to central lounges.
The Kenneth Robinson House was the second residence hall on the GVSC campus completed in 1967. It housed 154 men and 140 women and was renovated in 2000.
Kenneth W. Robinson's lifelong vocation was one of public service. A native to West Michigan, Ken Robinson was born in Grand Rapids and attended Central High School. After graduation he joined the UAW while also working at Hayes Manufacturing Co. In 1944, Robinson was appointed to the UAW staff by regional director Leonard Woodcock. When Woodcock became union vice-president in 1955, Robinson succeeded him as director of Region 1D, a position he retained until his retirement in 1974. Robinson was appointed to GVSC's first governing board in 1960, and re-appointed in 1968, 1972, and 1973. His instrumental role in establishing the institution was recognized in 1966 with a dormitory named in his honor.
Active in politics and the civil rights movement, Robinson was a delegate to several Democratic national conventions, and also served four years as a member of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. At Robinson's memorial service, Arend Lubbers said, "Ken was there at the beginning of the Grand Valley State Colleges. He contributed to the growth and development of the institution."
For more information regarding housing at GVSU, click here.
Page last modified December 12, 2012
