Dee Hubbard Receives Horatio Alger Award

Randall Dee (R.D) Hubbard, a prominent owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, former CEO of Hollywood Park, current owner of Ruidoso Downs and chairman and managing director of BIGHORN Golf Club in California, was one of 12 American businessmen to be named a recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in ceremonies held Friday night in Washington, D.C.. The honor is bestowed by the nonprofit Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and recognizes “exceptional leaders–all with a commitment to philanthropy and higher education–who have overcome significant personal challenges to achieve success.” 

“Horatio Alger Association is built on the key principle that with hard work, determination and resilience, one can succeed despite facing incomparable personal hardships,” said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association and 2000 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “The 12 new Horatio Alger Members selected for the Class of 2014 are extraordinary individuals who reflect the truth of that principle and who will inspire our Scholars to pursue their dreams. We could not be more pleased to welcome this impressive class into the Association as lifetime Members. Undoubtedly, each will uphold and perpetuate the mission of this proud organization.” 

A Kansas native, Hubbard received an associates degree at Butler County Community College and later became a glass salesman with Safelite. Eventually Hubbard rose to president of the company before forming Fortune 500 company AFG Industries, Inc. Hubbard also created Bighorn Development, which dealt with residential development and a private golf club. 

Philanthropically, Hubbard formed the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students of all ages and also founded the Shoemaker Foundation, named for the legendary jockey, to help raise funds for horsemen suffering from catastrophic accidents or illnesses. 

“It is a wonderful honor to be elected into Horatio Alger Association and to be recognized not only for my professional accomplishments, but also the humble beginnings that shaped my character,” Hubbard commented. “I believe in the power of hard work, determination and having passion for what you do in your career. I am proud to be a member of an organization that not only believes in those same principles, but helps to instill them in young Americans.”