HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-07 - Robert S. Hoover
__________________________
Pat Burt
Mayor
Proclamation
HONORING ROBERT S. HOOVER
WHEREAS, Robert S. Hoover is a social giant, honored and revered for his community leadership. His
paramount efforts were publicly distinguished by the Jefferson Award presented in 2014 and the Service of
Mankind Award, Sertoma in 1993, as to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover excelled in community recreational activities as the Varsity Baseball team captain at
Penn State University in 1959 and a U.S. Baseball Team member in the Pan American Games in 1959, 1963; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover originally served the U.S Airforce as an Aircraft Gunner Instructor and Staff Sergeant
in 1951-1955; thereafter, Mr. Hoover counseled and planned community organizations in civil rights work for the
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He further developed supportive services and administration in the
1960s for minority students as the Director of the College Readiness Program at San Mateo College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover founded Nairobi College as its President in 1969, an Independent Black Institution
serving 400 college students per year with programs for students from preschool to college. He spearheaded its
administration in fundraising, facility procurement, policy, collaborating with accreditation commissions, and
developing an upper-level literacy program for students; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover continued to contribute greatly to the future of our youth and student communities
by championing and promoting the importance of higher education as Director of East Palo Alto’s Youth Services
Program; Dean of Student Affairs at Olive Harvey College; Dean of Student Affairs at Edward Waters College;
Founder & Executive Director of the Youth Development Center in East Palo Alto; Director of Live In Peace
Drop Out Prevention Program (Students With Amazing Goals, SWAG); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover heavily impacted and supported community health and wellbeing throughout his
years as the Director of Community Services at the City of East Palo Alto. He advanced his professional interest
in community development as the Founder & Executive Director of Congress of Community Organizations and
as the Community Safety Coordinator of the Enterprise Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover founded and led the East Palo Alto Jr Golf Program since 1991 to serve the minority
youth of the Mid and South Peninsula. The program uses the game of golf to teach respect for others, honesty,
courtesy, patience, discipline, and a passion for learning, resulting in an exceptionally high proportion of the
participants going on to college.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pat Burt, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do
hereby recognize and proclaim the powerful and sustained contributions of Robert S. Hoover in his leadership
and service to the community.
PRESENTED: March 7, 2022