Contributed by Killins family
Robert “Buddy” Killins a Walnut Hills graduate accepted to Ivy League, University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) and selected as the Stuart Weitzman School of Design scholar recipient to the master’s Program this of fall 2023. The scholarship provides a full scholarship, Fellowship, and a $5,000 stipend. His admission letter stated “this year we had an especially strong applicant pool, and our admissions Committee carefully reviewed and evaluated the academic ability, creativity, and aspirations of each applicant. Your strong credentials, hard work, and impressive potential have earned you a place here at the Weitzman School of Design.
This article from University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning (DAAP):
“We are beyond proud to announce that Robert Killins III has been awarded a full ride scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania graduate program in Historic Preservation. Since attending camp in the summer of 2014 Robert is attending Tuskegee University, one of the top Historical Black Universities in the country at Tuskegee Robert has studied Architecture and will earn a degree in Construction Science from the Robert Taylor School Of Architecture and Construction and Management Science, and minors in African studies and Historic Preservation on May 13th 2023.”
Robert, states historic preservation is important to him because the space is very limited on those seeking to preserve African American Landmarks / historic buildings and they get lost over time. There aren’t enough African American Preservationist to speak on behalf of our brilliant historic contributions. Also, there is not enough awareness of the field. In particular, for the need of African American students to become Preservationists. Gentrification is destroying important landmarks in many predominately black and urban neighborhoods. At Tuskegee Robert served as SGA Senator, President of the Younge Black Artist Movement, National Society of Leadership, Epsilon Alpha Chi Constriction Scientist Honor Society, and numerous activities.
Robert was a Youth Docent at Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Every summer student participant with Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) math science and cultural Enrichment program, with Iris Roley & Dean Cheryll Dunn. At Walnut Hills High School Robert was the President Of The Black Cultural Club, President of the National Society Of Black Engineers, and his proudest achievement is when he challenged Walnut Hills High School to implement African Studies as a course, and submitted a curriculum/guideline that took over a year of persuasion challenging the need for implementation. Robert graduated from Walnut Hills with a Honors Diploma under the Civic Engagement criteria.
The past two summers Robert was a Law Clerk Intern with the Hamilton County Courts. And this summer Robert has been selected to do a 6-week Internship in Practical Conservation at various museums in the United States.
Robert is a member of Quinn Chapel AME church, where he has participated in various roles the pastor Rev. Dr Jermaine Covington. He serves as the Connectional International Awareness Chair for Districts 14-20. His Prelate Bishop is Errenous E. McCloud, Jr and Episcopal Supervisor Patricia Russell McCloud Esq. of the 3rd Episcopal District.
Parents Robert & Elodie, Sisters Jasmine & Nia Killins, Nia who is also set to graduate with her brother on May 13, 2023, from Tuskegee University.