Owens Community College is honoring the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award all in his name.

The three announcements were made during a recent tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State Community College.

“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 now be recognized as the Michael W. Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence. A bronze plaque will be installed in the hallway alongside the awards, accolades and images of honorees in the Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence.

A tribute ceremony for the lake Michael Rickard included the unveiling a new Student- Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award in his name. In addition, Express basketball jerseys were presented to his Rickard’s children.

The Owens Alumni Association has chosen to honor Rickard’s legacy by establishing The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund through the Owens Community College Foundation. The new memorial fund was created with a $10,000 contribution by the Owens Alumni Association.

The memorial fund will be used to provide scholarships for Owens students and to support Owens Express intercollegiate athletic programming.

The college has also established a new Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Award, which will be awarded annually to an Express student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in the community, in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Rickard worked in various athletic capacities at Owens for more than 30 years, including full time since 1985, and as athletic director since July 2000. He was known for working with coaches, student-athletes, parents, and faculty and staff through many seasons of wins and losses.

He was a 1982 graduate of Owens and a 1984 graduate of The University of Toledo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation/sports management.

He has been associated with Express athletic teams since the 1979-80 season, serving as a scorekeeper, statistician and assistant coach at times. From 1999-2001, he served as the Commissioner of the OCCAC. He was named Athletic Director of the Year for 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2003-04 and 2009-10 by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC).

For more information about The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund, or to make a donation, call the college’s Alumni Relations Office at 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7876 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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