Samuel A. Wilkins, Jr., was born October 4, 1927, in Lawrenceville, VA. He received his secondary education in the Virginia Public School System. He was a graduate of Saint Paul’s College, with a B.S. Degree in Education, and later received a M.A. Degree from New York University. Mr. Wilkins continued his advanced graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and completed the requirements for the Doctor of Education degree in Education Administration.

His professional experience includes teaching in both the Virginia Public School System, as well as, the New York City Public School System. During his career, he served as a school guidance counselor; a district, Supervisor of Guidance; a school administrator, and the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Mr. Wilkins has been a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater, Saint Paul’s College. He served as President of the New York Alumni Chapter, in an unprecedented seven terms as their National Alumni President. He is a former Trustee of the college and served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
He has consistently fought for quality education for African-American students and provided the funding sources to achieve that goal. During his long association with the college, he was responsible for generating more funds than any other alumni, and is the first Alumnus to contribute ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS to his alma mater.

In preparation for retirement in 1985, he organized a group of African-American investors, who would become The Hillside Development Corporation, a residential and commercial development enterprise. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of The Hillside Group whose commercial and residential holdings were in excess of twenty million dollars.

He was the recipient of numerous awards and citations, including: Saint Paul’s College Alumni Services Award. Proclamation, by the County Executive, Westchester County, New York. The Martin Luther King Jr. Business Award. The White Plains-Greenburgh NAACP Service Award. The Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus Award. Saint Paul’s College Distinguished Alumni Service Award. The Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. Corporate Award. The Westchester Coalition Inc., Community Service Award. NAFEO’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. Port Chester Carver Center, Inc., Distinguished Community Service Award. Saint Paul’s College Distinguished Alumni Trustee Award.
Saint Paul’s College National Alumni Association Golden Anniversary Award. The Westchester Interfaith Housing Council Developer of the Year Award.
Mr. Wilkins was a very active member of the community, having served as: President of Parkway Gardens Civic Association, Trustee of the Greenburgh Central #7 School District, Secretary to the Woodlands High School Scholarship Fund, Secretary of the Greenburgh Recreation Commission, and a member of the Cable TV Commission. He had recently served as President of the White Plains/Greenburgh Branch of the NAACP and also served on its Executive Board. Mr. Wilkins was also Director of the Greenburgh /Elmsford CAP, and a member of the Hudson Valley Bank Development Board.

Samuel was referred to as “Sam” by his colleagues. Also, a well-known nickname, “Pig” by only a few intimates; and, “Arthur” by his wife of 48 years, Anne Valentine Wilkins.

Samuel leaves behind his wife, two sons, Arthur C. Wilkins and Michael W. Wilkins; daughter, Delores Smith; and her granddaughter, Kimberly Trotter; brother Charles Wilkins; sister-in-law, Lorraine Wilkins; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and genuine friends.