Joseph Dulin was a longtime educator and founding principal of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Roberto Clemente Student Development Center. He died on Oct. 23, 2014 of a heart attack at the age of 79.
Joe Dulin, left, with Carpenter Elementary Principal Charles Davis, Jr. (Photo from the Ann Arbor Public Schools website.)
Inspired by the Million Man March in Washington D.C., Dulin created the National African American Parent Involvement Day in November 1995 as a way to encourage black parents to become involved with the education of their children. He was featured in a 2008 documentary film about his life called "Bridging the Gap."
He was appointed in 1974 as the first principal for Roberto Clemente, an alternative school for high school students. He served in that role for 35 years.
Dulin retired from AAPS in 2009. In honor of his career and achievements, he and his wife established the Joseph & Yvonne Dulin Scholarship Fund at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Dulin had served as an AAACF trustee.
In the news
Legendary Ann Arbor educator Joseph Dulin remembered: 'His words could move mountains' – MLive, Nov. 2, 2014
Joseph Dulin remembered for his dedication, commitment to students and community – MLive, Oct. 28, 2014
Joseph Dulin, longtime Ann Arbor principal and NAAPID founder, dies – MLive, Oct. 25, 2014
Retired principal Joseph Dulin, State Rep. David Rutledge and EMU Regent Emeritus Roy Wilbanks receive University's MLK Humanitarian Awards – EMU News Release, Jan. 23, 2013
Longtime Roberto Clemente principal and NAAPID founder Joe Dulin to retire – Ann Arbor News, July 8, 2009
NAAPID founder, retired AAPS educator Joe Dulin: ‘It starts with you’ – AAPS News, 2009
