Alumni Life

New Role, New Face

Introducing Cynthia Khoo-Robinson

Cynthia Khoo-Robinson.

Photo: Douglas Levere

By Mary Cochrane and Barb Byers

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UB recently integrated its alumni engagement and annual giving programs, and hired a seasoned higher-education executive to direct all aspects of the two areas.

Cynthia Khoo-Robinson brings nearly 30 years of experience to the newly created role of associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving, which she began on May 7.

She moved here from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she most recently served as assistant vice president and deputy campaign director for the University of Cincinnati Foundation.

Rod Grabowski, vice president for University Advancement at UB, says Khoo-Robinson stood out among the candidates not just for her skills and experience, but for her notable enthusiasm. “She has a remarkable ability to engage people—alumni, friends and partners—from her first meeting with them,” he says.

True to form, Khoo-Robinson says she’s thrilled about strategizing with the two teams to cultivate a new level of commitment among UB alumni and community members to the university and its mission. “I am an energetic, can-do person,” she says. “The UB community has been very welcoming, and I’m excited to be here.”

5 Things to Know About Cynthia Khoo-Robinson

Origins: I grew up in Malaysia on the island of Penang. I came to the U.S. to go to college in 1984.

Family stats: My husband, Troy, is the international sales manager at Cincinnati Incorporated, a machine tool manufacturer. Our son, Chandler, just graduated from college in May and is pursuing his MBA with a concentration in hospital administration.

Favorite activity: I love to coach people. That’s what brings me the greatest joy. It’s my hobby; it makes me feel gratified and full.

First impressions of Buffalo: The people are so nice. And they love their hometown! The roots here are very deep, which is a fantastic thing.

Best Buffalo experience so far: There have been many, but one of the best was a “meetup” of women for a daylong tour of downtown housing being built or developed in historic buildings.