Richey Receives Community Leader Honor
October 4, 2012 - The Brevard Bar Foundation honored Brevard Community College President
Dr. Jim Richey with its "Community Leader of the Year" award Thursday night, citing
his work to expand educational opportunities to students.
More than 80 people attended the award banquet at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Melbourne,
which also spotlighted the Foundation's fundraising efforts to help a wide range of
charitable causes.
From left to right: Steve Charpentier, Vice Chair of the BCC Board of Trustees, College President Dr. Jim Richey, and Michael Kahn, President of the Bar Foundation, at the Foundation's banquet that honored Richey as "Community Leader of the Year."
Steve Charpentier, Vice Chair of the BCC Board of Trustees and former president of
the Brevard County Bar, called Richey a "tireless advocate for higher education" who
puts the needs of students first.
He also praised Richey's move to expand the College's mission to start offering four-year
degrees in August 2013, which will transform BCC into a state college.
"He is having a significant impact on the lives of students and our community that
will resonate for generations," said Charpentier.
In thanking the Foundation, Richey said "There's no way the Space Coast would have
the strength and vibrancy it currently enjoys without the outstanding professionalism
of our local Bar and your commitment to justice and the rule of law."
He also noted the College's current fiscal year budget does not raise tuition, making
BCC one of the few public institutions of higher learning in Florida that's holding
the line on tuition costs this year.
"The tuition freeze has saved our students approximately $1.5 million and will open
the doors for more students to attend and graduate," he said.
He also asked for the Foundation's continued support, saying members' ideas and involvement
are critical to moving the College to a better future.
The Bar Foundation presents the leadership award annually to a person who has helped
improve public understanding of the law and lawyers in Brevard County.
Richey is a graduate of the The Ohio State University law school and was a highly
successful Melbourne attorney for more than 20 years before he joined BCC in positions
that included executive vice president and general counsel.
He was named BCC's fifth president in January 2012.
- Contact:John J. Glisch, Associate Vice President, Communications
- Office:321-433-7017
- Cell:321-794-0324
- Email:glischj@easternflorida.edu