Undergraduates at the University of California, San Diego will benefit from the Mary Louise and Charlie Robins Endowed Scholarship Fund starting this fall. The scholarship fund has been established by Fisher Scientific International Inc. in honor of longtime UCSD volunteer and friend, Charlie Robins, and will total $250,000.

"Charlie has been an extraordinary ambassador for the campus and its students," said Joseph Watson, vice chancellor of Student Affairs. "His tireless dedication and enthusiasm for the school is of tremendous value to all of us and we truly appreciate the support he has given us over the years. This scholarship is a wonderful way to recognize Charlie and his work. "

Fisher Scientific created the endowed scholarship fund in recognition of Robins' devotion to UCSD. This support was made possible by Robins' good friend, Paul Montrone, chairman and CEO of Fisher, who also personally supported the effort.

"I've known Charlie for a long time and I know how dedicated he has been to UCSD," said Montrone. "I couldn't think of a better way in which to honor Charlie and all he's done for the university than by creating this scholarship."

Robins is a retired businessman who has been committed to UCSD for more than 15 years. He has served on the UCSD Foundation Board of Trustees and helped create a successful industry development program for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Robins is especially known for his support of the Chancellor's Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars, helping to launch the event in 1996 with then Chancellor Robert Dynes, who was looking to create an annual event that would generate greatly needed funding for undergraduate scholarships. Robins solicited seed money for the inaugural Chancellor's Challenge and since then has worked tirelessly to help make each of the Chancellor's Challenge 5Ks a success by securing event sponsorships, increasing participation and providing funding for student scholarships.

From the beginning, Robins said he wouldn't be happy until the 5K generated $200,000 in a single year, a milestone that the event has long since surpassed. Last year's race attracted more than 1,500 registrants and raised more than $250,000 for undergraduate scholarships-an all-time record. The event has generated $1.5 million to support more than 600 UCSD undergraduates.

Monies from the endowed scholarship fund will be distributed based on academic merit and financial need. The first Robins Scholars will attend UCSD in the fall of 2006. The 11th Annual Chancellor's Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars will be held October 20. Visit www.ucsd.edu/5K for more information on the Chancellor's Challenge.