Bio

Every year without fail a check shows up from Ken Nickerson, 94, in support of RCC Athletics. He credits much of his success in life to his time at what was then Riverside Junior College. For Nickerson, it is not about the money, but about the memories he made while attending the College.

After graduation from Laredo High School in Texas, Nickerson enrolled at Riverside where he played football for the Tigers. He went on to play at Colorado School of Mines, eventually graduating with a degree in Geology. In 1944, he joined the Merchant Marines before beginning a successful career as a field geologist. He worked for such notable companies as Kennecott and McElroy Ranch Company, Miracle-Fifer and Nebraska Drillers, and as a mineral consultant. He retired as president of Royal Resources and Royal Gold.

Today, Ken is a Registered Professional Geologic Engineer in Colorado and California. He is a member of the American Legion; American Association of Petroleum Geologists; Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration; a 32nd degree Mason and Past High Priest of Royal Arch Masons at Golden, Colorado; and Governor of Dennis F. Brawn College of Royal Arch Masons at Gaylord, Michigan.

“Ken is a quality person. We are thankful for his love of Riverside City College and his support for the athletic program throughout the years,” said Jim Kross, former athletic director, and friend of the family.The 2013 Contributor awardee Nickerson is a 1941 alumnus. He played football under two-sport head coach Jess Mortenson and once scored 18 of  the Tigers’ 20 points in the 1948 Victory Bell game against San Bernardino College. Nickerson went on to graduate from the Colorado School of Mines and eventually became a successful geologist. Keeping in touch from his homes in Michigan and Florida, he has contributed financial support to Tiger athletics for decades.