January 20, 2011
PASADENA, Calif. (January 21, 2011) – In a ceremony yesterday, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association’s Board of Directors confirmed Richard W. Jackson as President for the 2011-2012 Tournament year. Jackson will provide leadership for the 123rdRose Parade presented by Honda and the 98thRose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO on Monday, January 2, 2012.
President Jackson revealed Just Imagine… as the theme for the 123rdRose Parade. “While this theme can represent the world of a child’s imagination, it can also be expressed as a reflection of the achievable hopes and dreams of adults, the remarkable accomplishments and
innovations of business and the world vision of an optimistic future,” said Jackson. “It should celebrate a new year of opportunity, underscore the brilliant imaginings of our past, and inspire us to reach higher, try harder, and believe in our dreams.”
Jackson has been a volunteer member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association since 1975 and was elected to the Executive Committee in 2004. Throughout his extensive Tournament career, Jackson has chaired and served on various committees including Parade Operations, FanFest, Float Entries, Music and Post Parade.
In addition to Jackson’s many years of service with the Tournament of Roses, he has been and still is involved with numerous community organizations. Jackson served as president of the Pasadena Optimist Club in 2003 and the Swedish Club of Los Angeles in 1986. He has also served on the board of directors of the Pasadena Jaycees and Treasure Little Children Foundation. Professionally, Jackson is a CPA in Pasadena and is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Born in Detroit, Mich., Jackson earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Oregon State University. He currently resides in Altadena with his wife Sharon. They have four children and four grandchildren. Jackson’s interests and hobbies include sailing, Napoleonic wargaming, reading and traveling.
This year, the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game will once again take place on Monday, January 2 according to the Tournament of Roses’ “Never on a Sunday” policy. In 1893, officials decided it would be best to avoid interfering with Sunday worship services and decided to move events to January 2nd whenever January 1stfell on a Sunday. The last time the “Never on a Sunday” policy was in effect was in 2006.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO and various associated events. The 123rdRose Parade presented by Honda, themed Just Imagine, will take place Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the parade, the 98thRose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO will kick off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an exciting match-up between two of the top collegiate football teams in the nation. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.