Rozelle Boyd

Rozelle Boyd, 88, beloved uncle, friend, colleague, mentor, and philanthropist, was called from this life into the presence of the Lord on July 21, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana after a period of declining health. His generosity, thoughtfulness, and rare sense of humility will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by William Calvan Boyd Sr., Ardelia Louise (Leavell) Boyd, William Calvan Boyd Jr.(Mary E. Boyd), and Felicia M. Boyd-Smith. Rozelle or “Uncle Bud” as he was known by his nieces and nephews, was the youngest of two sons born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the union of William Calvan Boyd Sr. and Ardelia Louise (Leavell) Boyd on April 24, 1934. He was a long-time faithful member of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church where he was an ordained Elder and served on the Session for many years. Rozelle was a celebrated political leader in the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. Rozelle was the first African-American and longest serving member elected to the Indianapolis City County Council and also became the first African American and Democratic Chairman of the Indianapolis City-County Council Rozelle was elected in 1965 and served until 2007. In 2004, Boyd served for a time as president, making him the first African American and Democrat to hold this position. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School before attending Butler University where he graduated with a BA in History and Political Science. He went on to attend Northwestern University for graduate work in Counseling and Guidance. He continued his studies and went on to Indiana University Graduate School as a Lilly Fellow where he earned a Master of Arts degree in United States History. After college he served 11 years in the Indianapolis Public School system as a United States History and Government teacher. He went on to serve as a Lecturer in the Department of Afro-American Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. He served as the Dean of the University Division and Founder-Director of the Groups Special Services Program, a program designed to increase college attendance among first-generation, underrepresented students at Indiana University. Added to his many accomplishments was his responsibility as founder-director of what is now called the Groups Scholars Program, which addresses low attendance rates among first-generation, low-income, and physically challenged students. This program still exists today and helps approximately 300 students each year adjust to college life. For this work among many other things, on September 10, 2009, IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz awarded Rozelle Boyd the Chancellor's Medallion during the IUPUI Board of Advisors Reception at Cedar Crest. Rozelle was passionate about fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was also a faithful Colts fan and held season tickets until his health declined over the last few years. His international service includes, serving as Group Leader in Operations Crossroads Africa Program in Bechuanaland Protectorate in Southern Africa (now Botswana), Group Leader in Operations Crossroads Africa Program in Ethiopia, and Director of West Africa Programs in Operations Crossroads Africa Program, based in Dakar, Senegal. Rozelle had an authentic and sincere heart and an insatiable desire to serve. He was National Co-founder, member of the board of the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations, the national advocacy and lobby organization for traditionally underrepresented student populations in higher education. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and served on a plethora of community and civic boards.or the Boyd family.