| A plaque and jerseys honoring Michael Rickard were unveiled by Owens Community College.(Photo: Andrew Weber/Sentinel-Tribune) |
The legacy of Owens Community College athletics director Michael Rickard, who died unexpectedly in
December, was honored Wednesday during the school’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State.
The school unveiled a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award all
in Rickard’s name.
"Michael Rickard positively impacted thousands of lives during his time at Owens Community College
and we are extremely honored to recognize him by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence,
Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award," said Chris Giordano, Owens dean of student life. "In
three decades at Owens, as a student and an employee, and lastly as athletic director, Michael enriched
many people’s lives. Undeniably, he will be missed. But the many successes of Owens Express athletics –
the teams and student-athletes – are a reminder of his legacy."
The hallway adjacent to the Student Health and Activities Center’s gymnasium will be recognized as the
Michael W. Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence.
A bronze plaque will soon adorn the hallway alongside the already visible awards, accolades and images of
those enshrined in the Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence.
In addition to the Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has
chosen to honor the legacy of Michael Rickard by establishing The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund through
the Owens Community College Foundation.
The memorial fund was created thanks to an initial $10,000 contribution by the Owens Alumni Association.
The fund will be used to provide scholarships for Owens students and the school’s athletics programs.
The school has also established the Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Award, which will be awarded annually
to an Express athlete who exemplifies excellence in the community, in the classroom and on the athletic
playing field.
Rickard worked in various athletic capacities for the College for more than 30 years, including full time
since 1985 and as athletics director since July 2000.
For more information about The Michael Rickard Memorial Fun, or to make a donation, contact the college’s
alumni relations office at (567) 661-7876 or (800) GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876, or by e-mail at
[email protected].
