Robie Gold Medals

The Robie Gold medal was established by two alumni of The University of Arizona, Wendell T. Tobbie, Class of 1917, and Inez Benzie Robie, Class of 1916. It is awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated "personal integrity, initiative, cooperation, enthusiasm, humility, well rounded interests, active participation in student affairs, service to the University, willingness to give more than is required, and love of God and Country."

Dr. Peter Likins - President of the University of Arizona & Cac Minh Dao - Recipient of the Robie Gold Medal 1998

CAC MINH DAO

Cac Minh Dao escaped from Vietnam, arriving in the United States penniless and with no English skills. Now he is graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering degree.

A transfer from Pima Community College, he has been an active as a student in the American Society of Civil Engineers. He participated in a number of faculty research projects, helped his department to develop its own web page, and worked for the Arizona Department of Transportation. He has impressed his faculty members with his integrity and seemingly endless energy.

He is heavily engaged in community activities in Tucson, serving as president of both the Pan Asian Community Alliance and the Amerasian Mutual Assistance Association of Tucson. In addition, he has helped with the Tucson Unified School District Bilingual Education Study and served as a commissioner for the Pima County Domestic Violence Commission, among other activities.

Despite all these commitments, he has managed to maintain exceptionally high academic grades and to raise his family. He will remain at the University to pursue a graduate degree in Civil Engineering.