University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1982
- Class:
- 1937
Former professorĀ and University of Massachusetts alumnus George R. Richason, Jr., intertwinedĀ a 70-year career with the development of UMassĀ as a modern research institution.
Born in Turners Falls, Richason enrolled at Massachusetts State College in 1933, earned a B.S. in chemistry in 1937 and later an M.S. in 1939.Ā
With the onset of World War II, Richason enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942, and served as instructor of electronics and radar engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1943-45.
In 1947, Richason joined the UMass chemistry faculty as an assistant professor. From 1950 to his retirement in 1976, he directed the general chemistry program, where he earned the respect and admiration of many thousands of students. In 1962, he was the second recipient of the campusā highest classroom honor, the Distinguished Teaching Award. By tradition, the most senior faculty recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award carries the university mace at Commencement ceremonies and Richason carried the mace for 45 consecutive years.
Throughout much of its history, he played many key roles at the university. He served as associate head of the chemistry department from 1962-94. A huge supporter of student-athletes, he served for many years on the Athletic Council and was elected to the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 1982, one of only four non-athletes or coaches to earn the honor.
After his retirement, Richason continued to play an active role in the chemistry department, serving as as associate head, chief undergraduate advisor, chief scheduling officerĀ and chemistry major advisor. He also remained a key fixture on the Athletic Council.
In 1991, Richason was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science at Commencement.
He was also active in the UMass Amherst Alumni Association. From 1968-94 he served on both its board of directors and executive committee. In recognition of his long and faithful service, he received the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Service in 1974. In 1994, he was honored as an emeritus member of the Alumni Associationās board of directors, the only person ever so honored.
RichasonĀ was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in 2014, recognizing his nearly 70 years of distinguished service to the department of chemistry and the university.
He passed away in 2015 at the age of 99.
