Page 13 - 6-3-16 Friday's Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016
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Businessman Chosen As NSBE ‘Alumni Of The Year’
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
When one Tampa businessman was asked to de- liver the keynote address at an awards program, he accepted. However, he didn’t know that the evening would bring about a surprise he never expected.
Joseph W. J. Robinson said, “I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker at the University of South Florida, but I had no idea that I would be pre- sented the “Alumni of the Year Award.”
“It brought tears to my eyes. No one has ever honored me for all of the voluntary work I do in this community. It was a wonderful surprise, especially in front of this group of students who are my peers, my fellow engineers. It shows they appreciate the forty plus years I’ve given.”
The award reads, “In Recognition And Ap- preciation Of Your Lifetime Commitment And Service To The NSBE Mission.”
It was presented to Robinson on April 29th dur- ing the 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony of the National
JOSEPH W. J. ROBINSON, P. E. President and CEO of RHC & Associates
Society of Black Engineers, University of South Florida Chapter.
Robinson, who is a charter member of the na- tional organization, was instrumental in establishing the first high school chapter of the organization on the campus of Middleton High School last month.
A Tampa native, Robinson graduated from the University of Iowa with a BSME Degree in 1977. He returned to Tampa after college and became a li- censed Professional Engineer. He opened his own consulting firm in 1990 and serves as its President and CEO.
Students recognized during the awards ceremony were: Qua’On Thomas, Computer Science; Nicholas Innis, Civil Engineering; Iyonna Tynes, Computer Engineering; Moyosore Ajeigbe, Chemical Engineering; Clyde Joseph, Civil Engineering; Derek Salomon, Electrical En- gineering; Jonielle McDonnough, Electrical En- gineering; and Wainella Isaacs, Environmental Engineering.
Charles F. Wilson Presented With
Congressional Gold Medal
At a ceremony held in the Unit- ed States Court- house in Atlanta,
Congressional Gold Medal
the late Charles F. Wilson, a World War II veteran and Florida lawyer, was posthu- mously presented with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the nation's highest civilian honor in recognition for his service as one of the first Black Americans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
The presentation was made to Wilson's children, Charles R. Wilson, Valerie Wilson- Reed and Michael Wilson by the Atlanta Chapter of the Montford Point Marines Asso- ciation. Several former Mont- ford Point Marines were in attendance.
Wilson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt en- tered an Executive Order open- ing enlistment to Black Americans for the first time. In 2011, President Barack
Obama signed legislation to honor those who enlisted in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II and the Korean War.
The first Black Marines were trained in Montford Point, North Carolina, in a seg- regated unit, and became known as the “Montford Point Marines.” After serving in the Pacific Theater, Wilson re- ceived an honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1946.
Wilson practiced law for 49 years. He retired in 1990 after 25 years as Vice President and General Counsel of Jim Walter Corporation in Tampa.
CHARLES F. WILSON
Resident Named Top Steak Master In Regional Competition
Anthony Ashby, a Tampa resident and culinary team member at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Tampa, was recently recog- nized as the regional winner of the company’s Steak Master Series competition. This honor is bestowed upon the top performing culinary team members in the company. He is one of just 60 team members from LongHorn Steak- house to achieve this distinction.
The Steak Master Series was created by LongHorn Steakhouse to celebrate the restaurant’s commitment to grilling expert- ise, to challenge its culinary team members to continuously strive for excellence and sharpen their skills, and it provides an oppor- tunity to recognize team members in a unique way.
“We are thrilled that Anthony was named the regional Steak Master Series win- ner,” said Paul Livrieri, Executive Vice President Of Operations at LongHorn Steak- house.
“This recognition is a true testament to his dedication to grilling expertise, and to provid- ing outstanding food and perfectly grilled steaks to our guests.”
Ashby started cooking professionally at age 16 and has been with LongHorn Steak- house for the past 10 years. His favorite food to grill at the restaurant is the Outlaw Ribeye, which he always strives to grill perfectly for every guest.
“Winning the regional Steak Master Series competition has made me even more proud ofwhatIdo.Iamhappytoknowmyteamis proud of me, as well,” said.
All of the nearly 6,000 culinary team
LongHorn Restaurant Managing Partner, Richard Hayden is shown with Anthony Ashby, regional winner of the Steak Master Series com- petition.
members at LongHorn Steakhouse locations nationwide were invited to participate in the Steak Master Series, which took the form of written and culinary tests.
First place regional Steak Master Series winners – including Ashby – will now com- pete for a chance to become one of seven di- vision finalists. These seven finalists will travel to LongHorn Steakhouse headquarters in Orlando to compete for the title of Steak Master Series Champion.