Winter 2013-14
Roar, Lion, Roar
Ruzika Honored by Athletics
Columbia Athletics dedicated the Richard M. Ruzika Theater and Classroom in The Campbell Sports Center on October 19 in honor of Richard M. Ruzika ’81. President Lee C. Bollinger and Trustees Chair William V. Campbell ’62, ’64 TC were present at the dedication.
Ruzika, who played defensive tackle for the Columbia football team, had a successful career in international finance and became the commodities head at Goldman Sachs. A generous contributor to the University and to Athletics, Ruzika was a member of the College’s Board of Visitors, received the John Jay Award for distinguished professional achievement in 2006, was a member of the Columbia Campaign for Athletics Leadership Committee and contributed a leadership gift toward The Campbell Sports Center. He died on May 7, 2012, following a stroke that occurred three days after knee surgery.
“We are so thrilled to honor Rich with the naming of the Richard M. Ruzika Theater and Classroom,” said M. Dianne Murphy, director of intercollegiate athletics and physical education. “Rich was such a generous and caring person. He was beloved by his teammates, coaches, classmates and colleagues. We are so honored that his wife, Ruthanne, and their children, Craig [’16] and Caitlin, could join us at the dedication.