Donor Profile: Mike ’75 and Nancy Robinson

Mike Robinson ’75 first visited Fairfield’s campus as a prospective student and quickly felt at home.

“It was a love-at-first-sight kind of place,” he recalled. “I mean, what’s not to like?” That early excitement grew into something deeper: lifelong friendships, formative experiences, and a lasting bond with the University that continues to play a significant role in his life today.

As a student, Robinson studied business management and was a member of Fairfield’s Club Rugby team. Rugby became a defining part of his Fairfield experience, forging many of the friendships and alumni connections that remain central to his relationship with the University decades later.

Since graduating in 1975, Robinson and his Fairfield friends have remained closely connected, returning to campus for RugbyFest and Reunion Weekend while also organizing their own gatherings. After their 10th Reunion in 1985, the group took a weeklong trip to Bermuda—launching a tradition of post-reunion getaways they have continued ever since.

Robinson’s commitment to Fairfield is also reflected in his philanthropy. His support includes longtime membership in The President’s Circle, membership in The Bellarmine Society, and service on his class Reunion Committee. He also champions STAGiving Day—not only through his own contributions but by encouraging others to give, often reaching out to friends to rally support and sponsoring match challenges to inspire participation.

For Robinson, philanthropy is rooted in both gratitude and values—something that became clear to him throughout his Catholic education. “My wife Nancy and I are both products of 16 years of Catholic education,” he said. “Along the way, we learned the importance of giving back when you can.”

Their commitment is also deeply personal. Nancy attended the College of Saint Elizabeth (now called St. Elizabeth University) in New Jersey on a full scholarship—an opportunity made possible, in part, by donor support.

That experience helped shape the couple’s shared approach to giving, including their decision to support Fairfield Bellarmine. “Fairfield Bellarmine really caught our attention,” Robinson said. “We thought it was a great concept, especially when we saw the success with the first graduating class. So, Nancy and I decided it was something we really wanted to support.”

In considering how to support the Bellarmine program, Mike and Nancy reviewed their options and decided to establish a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with a gift of appreciated securities through Fairfield’s CGA program. They received a charitable deduction in the year of their gift, and a significant portion of the capital gains were reduced. Plus, they will receive an annuity for life.

Over time, Robinson’s philanthropy has evolved alongside the University— growing with both his own capacity to give and his understanding of Fairfield’s priorities. He also has a simple philosophy about giving: “The biggest thing is to start,” he said. “Even if you just graduated, and you’re sending in $50 a year—start. Because then you get updates from the school and the areas you support, and as your situation improves over the years, you may be able to give more. But I think the biggest thing is to start.”

Robinson served as president of affiliated companies for Weichert, Realtors; in retirement, he continues to advise the firm on mergers and acquisitions on an ad hoc basis. He and Nancy live in Spring Lake, N.J., and find some of their greatest joy in traveling together, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and remaining connected to the Fairfield community that has been an important part of their lives for more than 50 years.

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