As a McGill student-athlete, Mike Richards, BA’60, BCL’63, posted some impressive stats. He played varsity hockey for five years, during which time he was named most improved player, most valuable player, the team’s captain, and a member of McGill’s Scarlet Key Society.
“I had a great experience at McGill, and being able to play hockey at a competitive level while studying is what I enjoyed most,” says Richards.
He went on to practice corporate and commercial law as a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott, and credits McGill for playing a role in his success. “What McGill did for me was exceptional. Much of what I’ve accomplished in my career is thanks to my law degree and my involvement in student life at McGill.”
Now, 60 years later, Richards is still posting impressive stats on behalf of McGill. In addition to being inducted into McGill’s Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder, he’s also held numerous leadership roles – including 10 years on McGill’s Board of Governors (he’s now Governor Emeritus), over 10 years as Chair on the McGill Athletics and Recreation Advisory Board, and a truly remarkable 50 years with the Martlet Foundation, which provides bursaries, scholarships and awards to support outstanding student-athletes and other student leaders.
“What inspires me the most are today’s student-athletes. They are smart, dedicated and self-disciplined. They maintain their high academic requirements while spending countless hours pursuing their sport, and I want them to have the same opportunities I did when I was at McGill.”
That’s why Richards continues to support athletics: he established the Mike Richards Hockey Awards, he’s a loyal annual donor, and he has designated a legacy gift – a bequest in his will – to McGill.
“McGill was the first place that’s ever come to mind when preparing a charitable bequest. I was just a boy from Lachine who went on to play hockey and study law. But McGill opened so many doors for me, it’s unbelievable.”
That’s why he’s taken on yet another volunteer role for the University: as the Planned Giving Ambassador for McGill Athletics and Recreation. His goal is to inspire fellow alumni to leave bequests of their own to support future student-athletes.
“The advantage of a bequest is that it doesn’t affect you during your lifetime, but it will alleviate the financial burden of the students of tomorrow. Your support for Athletics is more important than ever, so if you’ve ever considered a legacy gift, I’d say do it.”
Support McGill’s Third Century. Leave a legacy gift today.