Edward Hill “My Valley College years provided me with priceless memories, stimulated my mind, introduced me to my wife, and called me back home to old friends and the San Bernardino I love (my children loved it, too).” - Edward G. “Duke” Hill Jr

A graduate of Colton High School, Edward G. “Duke” Hill Jr. graduated from San Bernardino Valley College in 1949. He was a trombone player with the Valley College Marching Band and played at the 1949 Rose Bowl Parade. Hill helped key the undefeated SBVC golf team to the 1948 Eastern Conference title and captained the team the following year. SBVC was also the place where he met his wife Evelyn Bemis, one of SBVC’s 75 People of Distinction.  After servingfor three years in the U.S. Army, he graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Hill was a real estate appraiser and developer for 37 years. He taught courses in real estate at the University of California, Riverside and SBVC; he also served as an expert witness in court cases. He was active in civic service and was president of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and San Bernardino Symphony. Hill was also Chairman of St. Bernardine’s Medical Center Foundation and a board member of Inland Action, Inc.  He also participated in the Mayor’s Advisory Group, the MAC (More Attractive Community) and the SBVC Foundation. Mr. Hill passed away in 2014.