Success Stories

 

Distinguished Alum: Bob Roosen '50

Bob Roosen ’50 attended Breck for only three years, but his adult life has been devoted to the school’s principles of honor, God and country.

A man of deep faith, Bob has been a lifelong entrepreneur, achieving success in a variety of enterprises including World Orphans. Bob founded the organization, which is still going strong, finding homes for children in more than 45 countries around the world. "Who knows what would have happened to those kids," he says. "It was truly meaningful work to be part of."

After leaving Breck, Bob enrolled at the University of Minnesota and then joined the Air Force. "I wouldn't have considered the Air Force if it weren’t for Breck," he recalls. "But it was a wonderful time to serve. We were between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, and I had great opportunities for learning and travel."

Life as an entrepreneur began in Minnesota, where he founded Nutrition World, Yogurt Maker and eight connected entertainment venues at Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street, among other ventures. He has also started a sportswear company in southern California, a camp in Aspen and a restaurant in Houston, Texas, to name a few. "I keep getting these ideas," Bob explains. "And when my companies are bought by someone else, I don’t mind a bit. I just start something new!"

In the course of his business and charitable work, he has also had the opportunity to travel the world, including a particularly memorable tour of both islands of New Zealand. Says Bob: "You’re never far from the ocean or the mountains, and they treat Americans well. It's one of the best places I’ve ever been."

For the past 13 years, Bob has happily called Colorado Springs home.  He loves the mountains and is a frequent hiker. (He’s climbed 47 of Colorado's mountains more than 14,000 feet as well.)  He swims a mile several times a week and enjoys the Incline—2,693 railroad ties over a space of two miles. "It takes me about an hour to get up and then I jog down," he explains. "I'm fairly cautious, and the Air Force people pass me like a rocket!"

His dedication to fitness also includes a longtime interest in natural and organic foods. "I always tell people that I’m a true believer in two things: evangelical religion and health foods," Bob says. "Young people should know what they’re eating!"

Though Bob hasn't been a regular visitor to the Golden Valley campus, he does maintain friendships with classmates Del Carter and Bob Aslakson, who lives nearby in Colorado. He’ll have the chance to reconnect when he returns to Breck during Homecoming Week to be honored as our 2009 Distinguished Alum.