Jordyn Robinson named student speaker of UW-Whitewater December 2024 Commencement

Jordyn Robinson named student speaker of UW-Whitewater December 2024 Commencement

November 27, 2024

Growth and perseverance are among the words Milwaukee native Jordyn Robinson uses as he reflects on his undergraduate experience at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

"I've gained an understanding of what it means to be a professional, what it means to be inclusive, and what it means to think about others outside of yourself," said Robinson, who is earning a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with an emphasis in advertising and a minor in sports management.

Robinson will share his inspiring story as the student speaker for UW-Whitewater's 2024 December commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Looking back on his undergraduate experience, Robinson said UW-Whitewater helped provide a firm foundation in academics. But he also credits the university, and the myriad people he has met throughout his time on campus, with growing as a person.

"I always tell people that, 'Yes, I learned a lot in the classroom,' but I also learned so much more from the student organizations that I've been involved in," Robinson said. "I've learned so much more about the type of person I want to be."

Jordyn Robinson, third to left, in the Warhawk Connection center with students on Nov. 13, 2024.

Expounding further on his philosophy toward his interpersonal interactions, Robinson said, "It means being compassionate and being able to show empathy in new ways to interact with people to let them know that they are important."

Early on, Robinson said he saw the value in plugging in to student groups and organizations on campus. In May of 2022, he began a two-year leadership role as president of the Black Student Union as the group's undergraduate coordinator. In the position he directed and supervised a nine-member executive board.

His involvement included a role as intern at the Warhawk Connection Center. As a manager of the venue, he helped coordinate and facilitate 10 or more professional workshop events each semester. Robinson also has been a part of Whitewater Student Government, where he has served as associate director and, later, director of student affairs. In the role he served as a liaison between students and campus leadership.

Athletics, long an interest and passion of Robinson's, have also been at the heart of his imprint on campus life. Early on in his time as an undergraduate, Robinson began coaching UW-Whitewater's men's and women's basketball programs. He handled such roles as marketing and financial management over a three-and-a-half-year term that ended this past May.

As an undergraduate, Robinson has earned multiple UW-Whitewater recognitions: the Lucy Baker Involvement Award for two consecutive years and the Mackin Commitment to Diversity Award.

Jordyn Robinson, right, a journalism student from Milwaukee, gets a pie in the face from Grace Kelley, a marketing student from Germantown, who then helps him clean up. Black Student Union members like Robinson volunteered to take shaving-cream pies in the face as a fundraiser on the Wyman Mall on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.

Melding his love of media and athletics, Robinson also has stayed active in Milwaukee, where his family lives and his formative experiences were forged, having graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee Public Schools.

In August of 2022, he founded a company, The GRINDmke, which provides a glimpse into some of his postgraduate aspirations. The catchy name functions as an acronym and stands for "Greatness Reached IN Determination in Milwaukee." The company has a number of components to it, including athletic apparel, sports management, college recruitment and athletic training in the areas of track, football and basketball.

"I want to inspire people to live a lifestyle of working hard," Robinson said of his mission statement behind the company. "When you put in the work, you have faith and believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything in your life."

Robinson plans to work full-time after attaining his undergraduate degree. He has further educational aspirations in the form of a master's degree in communication with an emphasis in strategic communication. As for his short-term work goals, Robinson said coaching will be at the heart of it.

"Coaching is what I love to do," he said. "I look at coaching from a holistic perspective. I don't look at coaching just as coaching somebody in a sport. I'm also a life coach. I want to see success in your finances. I want to see you be able to reach the goals you've wanted to achieve. I really want to teach people about life."

Jordyn Robinson, a student intern in the Warhawk Connection Center of the University Center, talks with first-year students on Nov. 13, 2024.

Robinson's positive interactions at UW-Whitewater have only fueled his desire to spread positivity wherever he goes - whether it is on or off campus.

That philosophy is best exemplified in the way he describes UW-Whitewater.

"It is a tight-knit family, where you have your brothers and your immediate family, who you see every day. You also have a distant cousin who you will see here and there. All of them are invested in your development. They have different pieces that are a part of the puzzle, and they help make sure you achieve success."

In a world that all too easily accentuates the negatives, Robinson said he is overcome with gratitude as he looks to his next steps in life. Wherever he goes, he said he aspires to be a positive, inspiring light to other people.

"You really can do anything, when you put your mind into it. It's all about who you surround yourself with and the rooms that you fight for yourself to be in."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.