Bob Seagren has “been there, done that” in more ways than one: Olympic pole-vaulter. National product spokesman. Broadcast journalist. World traveler. TV host. International marketer. Entrepreneur. Did we mention actor?

One could also say Bob literally “leaped” over many obstacles to get where he is today. And it all started at Mt. SAC, where young Bob enrolled in 1964 and demonstrated exceptional ability in track and field, particularly pole vaulting. Mt. SAC coaches detected Olympic quality in Bob and helped prepare him for what would become an incredible athletic future. While at Mt. SAC, he set the national community college pole vault record of 16’ - 5 3/4 “and went on to set the national indoor record and Mt. SAC record of 17’ - 01” in 1965. After transferring to USC in 1967, Bob won four NCAA championships. With a personal best of 18’ - 5 3/4,” he shattered the world outdoor pole vault record four times as well as the world indoor and American records, and the USA National Championship – six times each.

As part of the USA Track and Field team in the 1968 Olympic Summer Games in Mexico City, Bob brought home the gold in pole vaulting and then the silver medal in the 1972 Games in Munich—despite forcing him to use a borrowed pole!

After his Olympic stint, Bob turned professional and represented a variety of products. He later turned his interests to television, first hosting infomercials for products like NordiTrack, and appearing on ABC Wide World of Sports as a guest commentator for four years.

Then came acting appearances on The Love Boat, Adam 12, Charlie’s Angels, Fantasy Island, and a recurring role in the popular series, Soap. From 1983 to 1986, Bob was a host on the nightly national news program, PM Magazine.

All the while, Bob developed his business acumen, drawing from his international athletic experiences. He became a successful marketing executive, entrepreneur and also a consultant in corporate sponsorship development. Currently, Bob is CEO of International City Racing (ICR), which specializes exclusively in the development, management and implementation of road racing, endurance and fitness events.

And while life has been good to Bob, he has been giving back to others. He supports a wide array of charitable causes, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Sports Council for the Paralysis Project of America.

Mt. SAC is proud of Bob’s accomplishments and even prouder to salute him as this year’s Alumnus of the Year.