SPS Stories
Student Spotlight
Stephen Robinson
Ambitious Beginnings and a Passion for Hospitality
Fast Facts
- Selected as one of 12 students nationwide for the prestigious Institute for Responsible Citizenship Class of 2026
- Aspires to own a variety of restaurants worldwide, specializing in food and beverage management
- Launched “Change Makers” podcast on WNYU 89.1FM and serves on the Undergraduate Student Council
<p><span class="p-body">Stephen Robinson grew up in Columbia, Maryland, with a love for cooking and sports that shaped his early years. “I have been cooking since I was 10 and have played around 8-9 different sports,” he recalls. Drawn to the opportunities in his field at NYU SPS, Robinson chose to pursue a BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management at NYU SPS, inspired by the chance to learn in the heart of the global hospitality hub.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">“There is no better place to learn Hospitality than the global hub which is NYC,” Stephen says. While pursuing his studies here, he has served on the Undergraduate Student Council at SPS and started a podcast called Change Makers, which airs on WNYU 89.1FM. “I have joined so many different clubs and organizations and worked in various leadership positions to develop my academic, professional, and personal capabilities,” he explains.</span></p>
Excellence as the Bare Minimum
<p><span class="p-body">Stephen’s commitment to pushing past limits earned him a spot in the prestigious Institute for Responsible Citizenship Class of 2026, a highly selective program that only admits 12 students nationwide. </span></p>
For me, excellence is the bare minimum and by surrounding myself with other men of color who aspire to push past their limits, I aim to raise my bar as well.”
<p><span class="p-body">The program, known for cultivating leadership among talented African American male college students, provides scholars with high-level internships, challenging seminars on economic and constitutional principles, and access to influential leaders. Alumni of the Institute include Rhodes Scholars, CEOs, and a justice on the New York Supreme Court.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">“Being named a member of the 2026 class is an honor,” says Stephen. “I am looking forward to growing my network, improving my capabilities as a leader, and developing new hard and soft skills for my personal and professional life.”</span></p>
Paving the Way for Future Dreams
<p><span class="p-body">Robinson’s ambitions go beyond academics. After graduating, he aspires to work as a food and beverage manager, traveling frequently, and eventually owning a variety of restaurants worldwide. Currently, he is getting hands-on experience in the industry while he studies abroad in Abu Dhabi.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Reflecting on his time at NYU SPS so far, Robinson offers advice for incoming NYU SPS students: “Take advantage of every opportunity. SPS and NYU in general will present you with so many opportunities that no other school or university does... it is a waste to not take advantage of them.”</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">For Robinson, striving for excellence is a starting point. With the support of NYU SPS and the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, he continues to redefine what is possible, inspiring others to reach beyond their limits. Start reaching beyond yours when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hospitality-travel-and-tourism-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management</a>.</span></p>
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