SU Foundation Honors Retiring Board Members

SALISBURY -- Deborah Abbott and Emilie Robinson of Salisbury have shared expertise and built bridges between Salisbury University and the greater community as members of the SU Foundation, Inc.’s board of directors. After a combined 28 years of service, they are retiring.

“Debbie and Emilie have been active and engaged volunteers, and their leadership will certainly be missed,” said Jason Curtin, interim executive director of the SU Foundation. “Their names are synonymous with service and we are most grateful for all of their efforts in support of Salisbury University.”

Abbott joined the Foundation board in 1996, and chaired the group from 1998-2002. She has spearheaded its Nominations Committee and served on Executive and Delmarva Public Radio committees. She also has been the friendly host of the monthly PAC 14 program SU on the Air.   

As the 2012 individual recipient of the SU President’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award, Abbott was recognized for her commitment to many regional service organizations. These include the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council and boards for Coastal Hospice, Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Hope and Life Outreach (HALO) Ministries.

Abbott is the senior vice president and business development manager for Bank of Delmarva. She and her husband, Rodney, are SU alumni. 

Robinson has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2000. She has chaired its Nominations Committee, and also served on groups for investment, and gifts and development.

An arts enthusiast, she and her husband, Frank, have supported SU’s Fulton School of Liberal Arts and campus organizations including Delmarva Public Radio, the Bobbi Biron Theatre Program, the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and University Galleries. In 2008, they established the Frank and Emilie Wood Robinson Community Service Learning Program to encourage student volunteerism. 

Robinson has been executive director of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and has championed arts organizations including the Art Institute & Gallery, and the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council.   

Created in 1973, the mission of the SU Foundation is to accumulate funds by gift and investment to foster, encourage and enrich the activities, educational programs, athletics and scholarships of SU for its students.