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Michael Robinson named FastStart honorary chair by Penn State Alumni Association

Former Penn State football standout Michael Robinson, class of 2004 and 2006, has been named the honorary chair of the Penn State Alumni Association’s FastStart program. Credit: Photo courtesy Michael RobinsonAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Former Penn State football standout Michael Robinson, class of 2004 and 2006, has been named the honorary chair of the Penn State Alumni Association’s FastStart program.

Robinson knows what it means to work hard and to give back — on the gridiron and in life.

As a Big Ten Academic All-American and captain of the Nittany Lions 2005 team, Robinson motivated his teammates, earned two Penn State degrees, and became a fourth-round draft pick in 2006, playing almost a decade in the NFL, including Super Bowl XLVIII.

Today, Robinson has taken that work ethic and passion for motivating others — particularly tomorrow’s young leaders — and turned it into support for Penn State students by becoming the honorary chair of the Alumni Association’s FastStart mentoring program.

FastStart matches first-year Penn State students from diverse backgrounds with faculty/staff and alumni who can help students grow in their new college environment; develop valuable contacts; get advice on majors, careers, and internships; build connections with the community; access available University services and resources; and make new friends.

The FastStart opportunity dovetails with the mission Robinson embraces in his work with middle and high school students through his Excel to Excellence Foundation, based in Richmond, Virginia. In 2010, Robinson founded Excel to Excellence and developed its signature program TEAM EXCEL, which uses a fun “reverse fantasy football” model to motivate students in grades nine through 12 to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

“We’ve been focused on doing what we can to prepare young people for life success in their formative high school years,” Robinson said. “Partnering with FastStart and the Alumni Association gives us an opportunity to support young people at another critical point in their academic journey and to show them their Penn State family is there every step of the way.”

In his volunteer role, Robinson will share his own life experiences with FastStart participants through educational programs and activities; bring awareness to the initiative; and provide outreach to encourage alumni to get involved by mentoring Penn State students from their unique perspectives.

“We’re excited about the energy Michael will bring to FastStart and the commitment he’s shown in supporting students,” said Alumni Association President Steven B. Wagman, class of 1982. “The FastStart approach is core to our mission. It offers unique and meaningful experiences, support systems, and guidance to help students right out of the gate and, hopefully, keep them connected to their Penn State community for life.”

Recruitment for the 2018-19 academic year will begin later this spring with outreach to first-year students, alumni, and faculty/staff mentors. To learn more about FastStart or get involved, visit the website.

About the Penn State Alumni Association

The Penn State Alumni Association connects alumni to the University and to each other; provides valuable benefits to members; and supports the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. More information about the Alumni Association is available at alumni.psu.edu.

Last Updated February 23, 2018

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