SPS Today: "A Familiar Face": Mike Ricard '89

New Executive Director of the Alumni Association

This summer, after 12 years as director of the SPS Advanced Studies Program, Mike Ricard ’89 has switched roles to become the executive director of the Alumni Association. Here, Alumni Association President Will Dunn ’02 talks with Ricard about his career at St. Paul’s, his expectations for his new post, and what he appreciates about raising his family at the School.

WD: What brought you back to SPS after graduation?
MR: In the fall of 1994, I was presented with an opportunity to join the faculty on a one-year contract. That has now turned into working and living at the School for the past 26 years. My four-year student experience was transformative in a number of ways, especially the thoughtful, positive mentors who served as my teachers, advisers, and coaches. I never thought when I returned in 1994 that it would wind up being my career calling, but I do vividly remember at that time my desire to hopefully make a similar impact in others’ lives.  

WD: You’ve worn many hats over the years. What attracted you to working with alumni?
MR: I’ve been presented with a variety of professional opportunities that have kept me invigorated about my work at the School. After serving as the director of the Advanced Studies Program for the past 12 years, I was ready for that next challenge. When the opportunity arose to work with our alumni, I recognized how meaningful a professional experience it would be. I also care a great deal about St. Paul’s and I know how important an engaged, supportive alumni body is to the success of the School. While on the surface it might appear that the core of my work is outwardly focused, I know that if I can make a positive difference in my role with the alumni, it will be for the betterment of the School, its students, and faculty.  

WD: What have you observed is special about SPS and what are you hoping to achieve in this new role?
MR: There are many things I’ve grown to appreciate about SPS over the years, both professionally and personally, but one that resonates with me at this point in my life is how great a place it is to raise a family. There are obviously significant demands on boarding school faculty, which at times makes being present for your own children a bit of a challenge. But what balances that is how wonderful and safe a community it is to raise kids. My daughter and son are so fortunate to have access to such a broad range of experiences and people. Whether they’re hanging out in the common room talking to the students when I’m on duty, biking to a football game, or watching The Nutcracker in Memorial Hall, being able to observe and interact with the ‘big kids’ has impacted their childhood in such a positive way. As for what I hope to achieve in my new role, I’m very excited about your inclusive vision for the Alumni Association and doing what I can to support the initiatives our alumni undertake. I want all alumni to feel supported and appreciated by the School and, just as importantly, by other alumni. There are so many ways in which we can lift each other up and make a meaningful difference in one another’s lives. I just hope in some small way I can help facilitate that in our alumni community.  

WD: On a personal note, you played an important role in my time at St. Paul’s, serving as my admissions interviewer, then adviser and head of house in Armour for my first two years at the School. We are coming full circle and I’m excited to work with you all these years later.
MR: I know. How crazy is that? As a faculty member, it is often difficult to keep track of how long it’s been since former advisees/students/players have graduated, and when situations such as these play themselves out, it is definitely a humble reminder of my increasing age.   

WD: One more thing for the record. Do you regret at all sending my family to the Gas Lighter Restaurant for dinner on our first trip to Concord, or do you stand by that burger?
MR: This question makes me hungry. No regrets, and I think a testament to the Gas Lighter’s Texas Cheeseburger is that Soula still owns that fine establishment and serves that very same burger to this day.