Robinson Recognized Religious Studies as Vital
Sherill Pace Robinson had just recently begun serving as chair of the Department of Religious Studies Board of Visitors when he passed away in November 2024. However, he was a longtime supporter of organizations in the Knoxville community, including the department, and had shared the following comments.
For Pace Robinson, supporting the Department of Religious Studies was part of a family legacy.
“My parents were very involved in all things Jewish in Knoxville and were integral in the establishment of the chair of Judaic studies,” he explained. “This ingrained in me a sense of responsibility in maintaining religious education for the students at the University of Tennessee.”
His parents, however, insisted that he and his siblings attend college away from their Knoxville home. So his wife, Karen Robinson (’81), is the only family member to have graduated from Rocky Top. She serves on the UT Alumni Board of Directors.
“I have been a big fan of the university—athletics and academics—my whole life,” he said. After earning a degree in finance, he returned to Knoxville and joined the family business, wholesale distributor Modern Supply Co. Robinson spent his entire career with the company and served as CEO for 25 years before retiring in 2017.
He also served as a volunteer and leader in numerous organizations, including the Knoxville Jewish Federation, Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Heska Amuna Synagogue, Knoxville Jewish Community Family of Funds, Webb School of Knoxville, Knoxville Utilities Board, and Sertoma.
Together he and his wife established the Karen and Pace Robinson Endowment in Judaic Studies.
“Karen and I feel a moral obligation towards philanthropy,” Pace Robinson said. “We saw the need to help supplement a small but important part of the university’s education system. This fund also helped me to honor my parent’s efforts with religious studies. “
As a part of the department’s Board of Visitors, he also learned more about the university, how it works and how it benefits students.
“Religious studies is a small but vital part of UT,” he said. “The trend toward de-emphasizing the humanities is concerning and makes the significance of religious studies all the more important these days. The faculty and staff do a great job of managing with limited resources but need outside help to supplement their efforts and continue the vital work of the department.”