Indianapolis community activist and entrepreneur Robert Jackson will be among three individuals honored during the Black Alumni Reunion at Ball State University on Aug. 6. He will receive the 2011 Outstanding Black Alumni Award during the day’s activities, which will include a panel discussion, luncheon, tour of campus upgrades and an evening reception.
Jackson, a 1950 graduate, was among the first African-Americans to attend the university.
“This is definitely a great honor, but I hope that this event can serve as an opportunity to get more Black alumni involved,” said Jackson.
He expressed his concern that despite the significant presence of Black alumni in Indianapolis, not many are involved in the BSU Black Alumni Constituent Society.
A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, Jackson attended Ball State University after service in the U.S. Army during World War II. From 1960 to 1980 he served as an officer with the Indianapolis Police Department where he mentored youth and helped provide security during visits of dignitaries such as President Lyndon Johnson and Sen. Robert Kennedy. He operated Bob-Dave Trash Removal Service until his retirement in 1991.
Jackson has been active with organizations such as the Concerned Clergy, the Audubon Gardens Neighborhood Association and the project to develop the Martin Luther King Memorial Park.
“The Ball State University Alumni Association and the Black alumni society are extremely proud of Mr. Jackson’s accomplishments,” said Sue Taylor, director of alumni relations for Ball State. “His work, loyalty and contributions to professional and community societies make him most deserving of this honor.”
For more information call (765) 285-1080 or (toll free) 1-888-I-GO-4-BSU. E-mails can be sent to alumni1@bsu.edu.
