Richard “Pinky” McNamara, B.A. ’56

From humble beginnings in Hastings, Minnesota, Richard F. “Pinky” McNamara attended the University of Minnesota on an athletic scholarship and was a three year letter-winner for the Golden Gopher football team. McNamara graduated with a B.A. degree in 1956 and went on to become a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Determined to share the fruits of his success, he made numerous gifts in support of improving student life, including the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes. In 1997, he received the University’s prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award. McNamara served as a trustee of the University of Minnesota Foundation and was named to the Board of Regents in 2001.