LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Theresa Rickard, Class of 1976,
upon the occasion of her induction into the 2014 SUNY Orange Colt
Athletic Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose exceptional athletic prowess leaves an enduring legacy in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Theresa Rickard, Class of 1976, upon the occasion of her induction
into the 2014 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame, which was cele-
brated at a ceremony held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at Kuhl's High-
land House, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those
individuals who, through outstanding achievement in athletics or
service, have made lasting contributions to its sports program and the
overall community; and
WHEREAS, Theresa Rickard, a member of the Class of 1976, achieved
standout careers in both women's basketball and softball, and helped
lead both teams to state titles; and
WHEREAS, Theresa Rickard was a starter for the SUNY Orange Colts'
Women's Basketball Team which won the New York State Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Championship, and placed third in
the Eastern Association Regional Tournament in 1976; during this time,
she was the team leader in assists and steals, while being second in
scoring; and
WHEREAS, A softball outfielder, Theresa Rickard batted .381 in 1976 to
help the Colts capture the New York State Championship; she also played
in the National Women's Tournament in Huntington Beach, California, and
won the Mary B. Diana Female Athlete of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Theresa Rickard is a Dominican Sister, who serves
as President and Executive Director of RENEW International, a Catholic
not-for-profit organization which develops and implements pastoral
programs to help people deepen their faith and live it through works of
charity and acts of justice; and
WHEREAS, A nationally known speaker, Theresa Rickard is also the
author of THE LIVING GOSPEL: DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR LENT 2014, and a
contributing author to such books as PREACHING IN THE SUNDAY ASSEMBLY
and PREACHING CHRIST CRUCIFIED; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Theresa Rick-
ard was inducted into the 2007 St. Mary's High School Hall of Fame in
Manhasset, New York, and was also selected by the American Bible Society
to receive its 2014 Christian Leader Award for her leadership in Bible
engagement ministry; and
WHEREAS, Athletes such as Theresa Rickard provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
student-athletes in their athletic journeys and ensuring their success
in their future years; and
WHEREAS, Theresa Rickard has clearly been an inspiration to the youth
of SUNY Orange, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Theresa Rickard has clearly made a contribution to
the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Theresa Rickard, Class of 1976, upon the occasion of her
induction into the 2014 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Theresa Rickard.