An act of generosity
Signed football keepsake given up selflessly

Ricardo Rodriguez, (c.) receives a surprise—a second autographed football from Coach Mike London, R'83. Rodriguez had given away another signed football to Terry Kinum, B'64 (l.).

When Ricardo Rodriguez, events and projects technician for University Services, had the 2008 national championship football team sign a football for him, he had every intention of holding on to the keepsake.

However, he ran into a friend, alumnus Terry Kinum, B’64, at a welcome home party for the Spiders. Kinum saw the signed football and remarked that it was a “cool” memento. Rodriguez promptly gave him the football, thinking it would really mean something important to an alumnus of the University.

Rodriguez was content knowing that the football was in good hands. However, when Carl Sorensen, associate vice president for human resources, heard that Rodriguez had given the ball away, he decided to get him a replacement.

Head football coach Mike London, R’83, and team members were more than happy to oblige. The coach and each player signed another football, and a surprise presentation was planned.

Rodriguez received the new football during a Feb. 22 celebration for the team in the Robins Center in front of coaches, players, fans and University administrators.

“Each day University of Richmond employees go above and beyond what is expected to make this a great place to work and learn,” said Sorensen. “Often, selfless acts like Ricardo’s go unnoticed. I heard about Ricardo’s generosity on behalf of the University and did what I could to recognize his contribution.”