Alumni and Friends
April 3, 2024
Robinson, who has served ND for more than 50 years, will retire from VCSU
Valley City, North Dakota – Valley City State University (VCSU) today announced the official naming of the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts in honor of Robinson’s long and successful career at VCSU. The North Dakota Board of Higher Education approved the name change at its last meeting in March. 
“Larry embodies the qualities and characteristics one would expect in names for campus facilities. He has received more than 25 individual awards and recognitions throughout his tenure as a legislator,” said President Alan LaFave. “As his 49-year career at VCSU comes to an end, this is a fitting honor that recognizes his broad contributions to our campus, community and state. His career, accomplishments and legacy deserve this recognition.”
Larry Robinson graduated from Tappen High School and received a bachelor’s degree in education from VCSU in 1971. He began his career as a teacher in Warwick, North Dakota, before returning to VCSU in 1975 as director of the Memorial Student Center and Student Activities/Auxiliary Services. Serve as director. In 2021, he began directing VCSU’s first capital campaign. He and his wife, Mary Lee, live in Valley City and are active community members.
Robinson served as a member of the North Dakota Legislature from 1988 to 2019, serving as District 24 Senator. He has served in several leadership positions, including the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Higher Education Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Under his leadership, funding was provided for the new Veterans Home in Lisbon, flood protection for the Sheyenne Valley community, and the new VCSU Arts Center. The $32 million building will officially open to students in spring 2022.
The Robinson Center for the Arts is the creative hub for all art and music on campus. Arts facilities include a ceramics laboratory, printmaking, painting and drawing studios, woodworking studio, photography studio and digital design laboratory. Music facilities in the building include a 350-seat performance hall, a 100-seat choir room, an orchestra rehearsal room, a piano laboratory, a recording studio and numerous practice rooms of varying sizes.
A public celebration and dedication is planned for June 2024.
For more information, an interview with Robinson, a facility tour or more information, please contact Tammy Jo Taft at tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu or call (701) 845-7227.
