Established in 1947, the award celebrates those who have evolved from humble beginnings into great successes, and who, as noted in the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans' description of the award, are "dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence--as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance."

Robert is founder of the nonprofit organization Fight for Children, which advocates educational opportunities to prepare youngsters for higher education and the professional workforce. Last year, Robert founded Support the Corps, a non-profit concern that supports active-duty Marine Corps soldiers and their families. Additionally, the real estate leader has donated $25 million to Washington, DC's Children's National Medical Center for Surgical Care, which just recently debuted the new Joseph E. Robert Jr. Surgery Preparation and Recovery Center.

As a recipient of the award, Robert was inducted as a lifetime member of the Horatio Alger Association, which boasts such members as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Rev. Billy Graham. Astronaut and Starcraft Enterprises chairman Buzz Aldrin was inducted this year, as well. "The lives of each of these exceptional individuals provide wonderful examples of the American tradition of proving that hard work, perseverance, and integrity are the cornerstones upon which success in our great nation, and the realization of American dream, is built," says Horatio Alger Association president and CEO Dennis R. Washington.