Bio

The 2014 President’s Award goes to RCC alumnus and former football player Dell Roberts. After graduating from RCC in the 1950s, Roberts built a reputation as a staunch advocate of youth activities and sports. He coached football for 21 years at Poly High, established the Black Student’s Union in Riverside area schools, and served as a volunteer and on boards of local organizations such as the Riverside Community College District Foundation. During his 38-year career with Riverside Unified School District, Roberts received numerous awards including the Chuck Kane Award, the YWCA Achievement Award, the Bank of America Local Hero Award, and the Roy Hord Volunteer of the Year Award. He continues to serve on the RCCD Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and is being honored for his contributions to the College and students.

Dell Roberts moved from Houston, Texas, to Riverside with his family in 1945. He attended Riverside schools, graduating from Riverside Poly High School in 1955, where he was an All CBL guard in football and lettered in swimming, football and track. He attended Riverside City College from 1955-1957, showing his talents on the football field and his school spirit as a member of Kappa Upsilon.

But it was not a smooth journey. Roberts remembers running with a juvenile gang of sorts—in fact, he often led a group of middle school boys in risky hijinks that occasionally bordered on criminal. A wakeup call administered by his mom straightened Roberts up. He distanced himself from the guys he was hanging with and concentrated on earning back his mom’s respect and a real future.

In 1965, Roberts, while working full time at Butcher Boy’s Food, began coaching football and track at Poly High, the beginning of a 38-year career with Riverside Unified School District. Over the decades, he worked with youth through assignment with the NAACP and the Riverside Unified School District. In the capacity of special assistant to the principal, he was in charge of discipline and security at Poly High School from 1968 to 1989. He coached football for 21 years at Poly, established the Black Student’s Union in Riverside area schools in 1968, and advised the United Black Students of California.

At RCC, Roberts known for his outstanding work as an RCCD Foundation Board member and past president. While a board member, he assumed a leadership role in the community-wide Passport to College Initiative. Upon his retirement from RUSD in 2003, Roberts established the Dell Roberts Endowed Scholarship, assisting local high school graduates attending Riverside City College and ensuring that his legacy of service to youth will continue in perpetuity. He also continues to serve on the RCCDFoundation Scholarship committee.

Throughout his adult life, Roberts has been an advocate for youth and community. Many an Eastside child first glimpsed snow or crashed on a wave or traveled to a state conference or ventured on their first airplane ride as a result of Roberts’ dedication to the community and his desire to expose children to life outside their community. 
Roberts has been honored by numerous organizations: the Martin Luther King Visionaries, Riverside Unified School District, City of Riverside, Riverside African American Historical Society, and Black Correctional Workers, to name just a few. His recognitions include the Chuck Kane Award, the YWCA Achievement Award, the 2007 Bank of America Local Hero Award, and the Roy Hord Volunteer of the Year Award.