ROB MASRI WINS NATIONAL TRIO ACHIEVER AWARD
Rob C. Masri, a 1986-89 participant in the Virginia Tech Upward Bound Program, was recently named a National TRIO Achiever for 2003. Recipients of the TRIO Achiever Award are honored for their accomplishments and dedicated commitment to excellence in education. Award winners are selected from nominees from all TRIO programs in the country. There are currently over 2,600 TRIO programs in the United States. Federal TRIO programs include Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate programs, and Educational Opportunity Centers.
Rob is the first participant from a Virginia TRIO program to receive this honor.
The award presentation took place at the Council for Opportunity in Education National Conference in San Diego, California on September 29, 2003.
In 1999, Rob became Vice-President of Corporate Development and General Counsel for Multicity.com, Inc., in Vienna, Virginia. Rob is responsible for developing and managing Multicity.com's strategic business partnerships and handling the company's legal affairs. Prior to joining Multicity, he was an attorney with Cooley Godward LLP and Hunton & Williams. His diverse range of business and legal expertise includes venture capital financing, public and private offerings, and mergers and acquisitions.
Rob served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, teaching “High Technology Start-Ups and their Venture Capital Financing.” He is a much sought after lecturer, speaker and panelist, particularly in the areas of the Internet and global commerce.
In addition to work, Rob is a member of the Marshall Academy Advisory Council in Fairfax County, VA where he has developed an internship program for students interested in the high-tech world. He also participates in pro bono efforts to assist lower income individuals in disputes with landlords.
Rob graduated from Giles High School in 1989, and received his B.A. in History (with Distinction) from the University of Virginia in 1993 and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1996. He was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1996 and the Florida State Bar in 1998.
Rob is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Masri of Pearisburg and all three of his brothers and sisters (Ron, Jocey, and Roger) participated in the program.