Richard F. Bedard, the former Executive Vice President for Athletics at American International College, will be added to the 2019 AIC Athletics Hall of Fame.
The oldest of five brothers who grew up in Springfield playing sandlot baseball for the Our Lady of Sacred Heart, then Technical High School and Legion ball, the Bedards—Rich, Billy, Johnny, Jimmy and Tommy—continued their passion for baseball into college, the pros and the Tri-County League.
Bedard received his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College in 1971 and his M.B.A. degree from AIC in 1986. Each of these factors—family, baseball, and coaching—helped launch a career at AIC that spanned four decades plus.
In the fall of 1972 Art Ditmar, then head baseball coach at AIC, announced his resignation and Bedard submitted his last ever job application—one he ultimately didn’t get.
“This was the last job I ever applied for,” explained Bedard. “I didn’t get it. Instead, Athletic Director Milt Piepul offered me the opportunity to be the assistant baseball coach—and I took it.”
Shortly after accepting the position Bill Turner, Director of Placement and Employment at AIC and newly appointed supervisor of Housing, asked if Bedard might be interested in a secondary position as Assistant Director of Housing. Rich became the second Bedard employed at AIC, after his mother, Mary.
“Mom worked 25 years at AIC and arguably touched more AIC students in a positive way than I did. This was an intriguing possibility, because I valued my own college years as a truly life changing experience. The idea of being a part of that experience for other young people made sense.”
And so, his journey at AIC began—for $6,000 in salary and an apartment in Reed Hall.
Bedard’s time as a member of the baseball coaching staff for the Yellow Jackets was a foot in the door and the beginning of a storied 41-year career at AIC. In 1973, the 24-year-old Bedard was appointed head coach of the baseball team after one year as an assistant and built AIC into a regional force that culminated with an ECAC Division II-III Championship in 1979.
When Bedard announced his intention to leave the housing staff after two years, Dean Conrad spoke to President Harry Courniotes about an opening as an assistant in the President’s Office, and President Courniotes gave Bedard his chance.
“So, I began a period of 30 years working out of the President’s Office with accumulating responsibilities. After nine years, I resigned as baseball coach and became a full-time administrator.”
His time as a baseball coach was ending, but his journey as an administrator took full flight. Bedard served many roles on the administrative side of the college, including Assistant to the President, Comptroller and Vice President for Administration.
Finally, new President Vince M. Maniaci offered Bedard the chance to return to AIC athletics. In June of 2006, he succeeded the retiring Bob Burke as Athletic Director.
“Milt Piepul, Bill Turner, Irv Conrad, Harry Courniotes, and Vince Maniaci each gave me a chance. I am extremely grateful to each. This college that has been a ‘college of opportunity’ for so many has been the same for me, as well,” Bedard said.
During Bedard’s tenure as Athletic Director, AIC expanded its programs to include track, cross country and rugby, and the number of student athletes grew from 325 in 2006 to 550 in 2013. Bedard is also proud of other accomplishments during his reign, including the establishment of the 3.0 Club for student-athletes, Academic Camp, and the development of Ronald J. Abdow Field and the Hoyt Track.
“The addition of the Ronald J. Abdow field was essential. With the support of the administration, we grew the department and increased in numbers and competitive stature. The outstanding student-athletes and coaches greatly enhanced the department’s impact on the College. We helped the College grow.”
Bedard’s association with AIC has enriched his life in many ways, perhaps none better than the miracle that happened when Patty Kelly came to work at AIC as Director of Student Activities.
“We were married two years later. I don’t know what she must have been thinking back then, and I’m sure she’s wondered that herself many times since, but I knew a good thing when I saw it. Patty has always understood what I was about—and what AIC is about.”
Though his accomplishments are many and his AIC footprint large, Bedard always viewed himself within the context of a team—which grew far beyond baseball—that started with his mother Mary, continued with coaches, administrators, his wife Patty, and later children Katie, John, and Patrick.
“If I have contributed to the institution and its people in the process, then I would say that is exactly as it should be. So, a thank you to everyone, and especially—thank you to AIC.”
