Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.
On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.
Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006 Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.