[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND GENEROSITY OF LEROY AND TERESA 
                                ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY KISSELL

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. KISSELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true, dedicated 
leader in my state and in my local community of Montgomery County, 
North Carolina. Leroy Robinson grew up in Candor, North Carolina, just 
miles from my home. He graduated from what was then-known as Candor 
High School in 1939, and went on to my alma mater of Wake Forest 
University. After proudly serving our nation in World War II, Robinson 
returned home to North Carolina and began working for Belk, a local 
family owned department store that began in my district in Monroe, 
North Carolina. After years as a local business and community leader, 
Robinson officially retired from Belk in 1988 after 37 years of service 
with the company, only to continue on as an advisor and counsel through 
1995.
  In 1995, Robinson and his late wife Teresa reached out to Wake Forest 
with hopes of setting up a scholarship fund for local students to 
attend Wake Forest, which is ranked 25th best university in the nation 
by US News and World Report. Through his hard work to open new doors to 
his own success in life, he now wanted to help pave a path for others 
just like him to achieve all that they can, with help from the 
community that raised them. It was Robinson's belief that if children 
had the opportunity to get a good education, they'd return home to 
Montgomery County and make their community a better place.
  After my time at Wake Forest, I too returned home, working in 
textiles for over 27 years before I began teaching high school social 
studies at both West and East Montgomery High Schools. I have seen 
first-hand the benefits that the Robinson Scholarship has provided for 
both Montgomery County and Wake Forest University. The generosity of 
Leroy Robinson has continued to open new doors of opportunity for 
students throughout my community, and on behalf of the people of 
Montgomery County, I know that we will never have the proper words to 
adequately thank Leroy for all he has done, and continues to do.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with complete admiration and appreciation that I 
rise today to speak of the kindness and generosity with which Leroy and 
Teresa Robinson have continued to bless our part of the world. His 
selflessness and dedication to helping those who come after him is a 
testament to the promise and goal that many of us embrace: to leave the 
world a better place than it was when we arrived. Leroy Robinson has 
served as a shining example of this generosity, and his gift continues 
to give to the students of my community.
  Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in prayer for the 
health and well-being of Leroy Robinson, an asset to the people of 
Montgomery County, of North Carolina, and of our nation. Although sadly 
she is no longer with us, I also ask that we remember Teresa Robinson 
and her generous contributions as well.

                          ____________________