When Leonard Robinson ’13SEAS heard a podcast about estate planning, he realized it was time to start thinking about the next phase of his life. 

Leonard had long been a regular donor to Columbia, contributing to his senior class gift, Giving Day and Pi Day gifts, the SEAS (Engineering Graduate Student Council) Annual Fund and the James R. Priest Scholarship, which honors one of Columbia’s early Black graduates.
 
But he wanted to do more. 

“I didn’t think Columbia would want my power tools and workbench, as they already have world-class facilities,” he said with a smile. “I felt that a portion of my retirement assets would be the next best thing.”

Leonard chose to designate a percentage of his 401(k) to Columbia. “It could end up being a little or a lot depending on how life turns out,” he said. A General Electric scholarship recipient himself, his goal is to give back to Columbia by creating a scholarship in his own name for any engineering student who demonstrates financial need.

“Support from the alumni community has lifted me after graduation, and I dream of supporting students who will benefit—as I did—in their academic endeavors,” he explained. “Those students could go on to solve the world’s most significant technical problems or address societal challenges. It could provide support to someone who would stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Above all, his gift will help tomorrow’s students enjoy the distinctive learning, social, and cultural environment that has shaped his own life and career.  
     
“Columbia was the best opportunity I had to immerse myself in the creative exploration of New York City while receiving a world-class education in engineering and liberal arts,” he said. 

Almost from the moment he arrived, Leonard immersed himself in campus life. He joined The National Society of Black Engineers, The Philolexian Society, Stressbusters, the Senior Fund Committee, and Swing Dance Club. 

“Swing dancing at the Brooklyn Bridge as choreographer of the Swing Dance Club is at the top of my list of memorable experiences,” he said. “Surf and Turf Night at John Jay with friends is another great memory.” 

“I enjoyed weekly Café Conversation at Le Maison Francaise along with French Movie Nights with friends,” he continued. “And—oh boy—stressbusting during Dance Marathon, a 27(ish)-hourlong nonstop dance party for charity.”

After graduation, Leonard earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Georgia Tech and worked at General Electric as an electrical and computer engineer. He made the transition to life sciences  as an engineering team leader at Cytiva of Danaher Corporation near Boston. While there, he was recognized by Forbes as one of 30-under-30 in Manufacturing and Industry. 

Leonard remains an enthusiastic Columbia supporter and volunteer. He was secretary and president of the Columbia Alumni Association Boston, where “I loved bringing alums together in the happening Boston area,” he said. He has served on the Alumni Recruitment Committee, and he is a member of Columbia Engineering Young Alumni (CEYA), joining its executive board in 2017. He was a member of the Fund Agents Program, a supporter of his 5th Reunion and a member of his 10th Reunion Committee.

Beyond Columbia, Leonard has been an active volunteer on behalf of GE, supporting its scholarship program, advocating for minority recruitment and building the African American Forum. He has volunteered at public high schools in Boston to mentor students interested in pursuing STEM. 

Leonard is engaged to Olivia Watkins, Barnard ’16, co-founder and president of Black Farmer Fund, which invests in black agricultural systems in the Northeast. 

He has lent his own financial support to their work. “Charitable giving provides a way to recognize the significance of those close to me,” he said. “When giving gifts, I ask my friends if they would prefer a donation to an organization they find meaningful.”

To learn how you can bring your values to life with a legacy of lasting impact, visit columbia.giftplans.org or call 212-851-7857.