Ohio Northern University will dedicate Dial-Roberson Stadium’s newly installed artificial turf as “Bill Robinson Field” during halftime of ONU’s football game against Mount Union on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
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The field is named in honor of William “Bill” Robinson, who is retiring after more than 50 years of service to ONU. Robinson, currently the executive assistant to the president, graduated from ONU in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in education.
ONU President Daniel A. DiBiasio said, “The naming of the field in Bill’s honor is a tribute to his service and devotion to ONU for more than half a century. Bill is a passionate supporter of ONU athletics and a positive influence on countless ONU student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
Prior to arriving at ONU, Robinson, who grew up in Cleveland, worked for the Cleveland Indians and then served in the Korean War. In 1960, Robinson, a decorated veteran, enrolled at ONU and began a distinguished career at the University that included stints as dean of men, dean of admissions, dean of student activities, vice president of advancement, director of alumni affairs and executive assistant to the president.
ONU established the William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award in 2004 to be given each year to an individual who is committed to Ohio Northern, his or her profession, and the community. In 2005, Robinson received an honorary degree from ONU and was inducted into the ONU Athletic Hall of Fame that same year. Robinson also was instrumental in establishing The Robby Fund, a financial aid fund to assist students at ONU.
This past year, Robinson celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Gretchen. The couple has two children and five grandchildren.
In addition to the artificial surface for Dial-Roberson stadium, a second artificial turf field is being installed in the track complex adjacent to the football stadium.
With the installation of the artificial turf at Dial-Roberson, ONU will introduce men’s and women’s lacrosse as a varsity intercollegiate sport in spring 2015. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams will play on the turf field inside the track, with greater access to facilities located at Dial-Roberson Stadium.
