The president of the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology in Media, Will Robinson, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, from complications of COVID-19, it was announced by Tom McDuffie, Jr., chairman of the board of trustees at the school.

Mr. Robinson served as president at P.I.T. for four years, since February 2017. He was also chairman of the school’s board of trustees from 2011 to 2017.

A letter from Mr. McDuffie sent out announcing Mr. Robinson’s passing is reprinted here, courtesy of Jamie Gandy, marketing manager for P.I.T.

Dear Members of the PIT Family,

Moments ago I learned that President Robinson took his last breath. 

He had fought long and hard against Covid-19 and the stroke it induced. 

Little neurological progress has been observable of late so the prognosis was bleak.  The Lord reached out and painlessly carried Will to the next life where he joined his Family of the Ages.

We will all miss this special man, PIT’s leader and everyone’s friend.

He will be remembered as a folksy philosopher, an insightful educator, a comedian, and an athlete.

Then again, we must recognize the businessman who helped rescue PIT, the creative thinker who loved to test ideas, and the salesman with a catchy phrase. 

Perhaps memories of his booming laughter, infectious smile, or the big kid in adult clothes will warm your heart.  More fundamental to his being was the caring, warmth and unavoidable humanity he freely shared.

We are all richer because he shared his life and hopes and dreams with us.

Vaya con Dios, Will, until we meet again.

Respectfully yours,

Tom McDuffie