Thomas E. Richards Family Donates $5 Million to Pitt Men’s Basketball Program

It was announced on Tuesday evening that the family of the late Thomas E. Richards made a $5 million commitment to the Pitt Men’s Basketball program.

Richards died last year following a battle with cancer, was a proud Pitt alum, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Pitt Board of Trustee chair. Richards let it be known, before his passing, to his family of this wish to make this generous donation to Pitt men’s basketball.

The University of Pittsburgh has announced that the lobby at the Peterson Events Center has been renamed the Thomas E. Richards Family lobby.

“This lobby, which sits at the heart of the action, is a fitting tribute for a man who put the University of Pittsburgh at the heart of his life,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “I am deeply grateful to Mary Beth, Lindsay and Jason, who have chosen to honor Tom in such a beautiful way and are helping to extend his legacy of leveraging the power of Pitt to transform lives.”

“Tom Richards’ legacy shines brightly at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond,” said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “He was a leader throughout his life- as a star point guard, an accomplished chief executive officer and, most importantly, as a husband, father and cherished friend. Tom inspired and impacted so many people, and that was especially true at Pitt. This extraordinary gift is yet another example. We express our highest gratitude to the Richards family and are thankful that Mary Beth, Lindsay and Jason Richards could be with us this evening as we pay tribute to Tom.”

This $5 million gift will help lead expansion and renovation efforts to practice, training and sports performance facilities at the Petersen Events Center.

“The Richards Family has been an important part of the Pitt Basketball community and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “I am grateful for the relationship I was able to build with Tom before his passing and for the friendships that we maintain with Jason and the Richards family. Pitt Basketball is extremely thankful for the generous gift to the program but even more thankful for the impact Tom and his family continue to have here at the University of Pittsburgh.”

Richards was a member of the Pitt basketball program, as was his wife, Mary Beth (Dorogy). Their two children, Jason and Lindsay, were both assistant coaches for the men’s and women’s program following their playing careers. Lindsay was an assistant coach with Pitt from 2010-18, while Jason was a member of the men’s coaching staff from 2010-21.