Dick Howard is the personification of a Saint John’s University education, with a contagious enthusiasm for the school and an unending commitment to the Benedictine values.

Howard, former Fairview Foundation president, has a demanding career as president of his own consulting firm, RJ Howard & Associates. However, he always makes time for service, and no organization benefits more than Saint John’s.

He has dedicated his energy and expertise to the Alumni Association Board, Benedictine Way Committee, SJU Outdoor University/Arboretum Council and Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville and fostered the renowned Johnnie network by chairing alumni events, mentoring students and alumni and co-facilitating Benedictine Way Retreats.

Other organizations benefit, too. Howard and his wife Christine, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, are active with the Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota and Dakotas chapter and lead the “Team Howard” Moving Forward Day Twin Cities fundraising team. He also has leadership roles in the Minneapolis-based Loppet Foundation, which brings together outdoor enthusiasts with a focus on providing opportunities for underserved youth and families.

“Dick Howard is an exemplary leader of people,” one nominator commended. “His hallmarks of authenticity, extraordinary enthusiasm and Benedictine principles have created an environment of inclusiveness, learning and joy for everyone he touches.”