David Roach Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award from Springfield College

Bronx, N.Y. – Fordham Director of Athletics David Roach was honored recently by his alma mater, Springfield College, with a Distinguished Alumnus Award during the school's Homecoming Weekend on October 12.
 
The Distinguished Alumnus Award was established by the Class of 1940 in 1966. Individuals receiving this award are honored for professional excellence, outstanding achievement in their chosen field, and recognized for their service to others. Candidates must be out of college for a minimum of ten years.
 
"I owe much to Springfield College," said Roach. "It was the perfect place for me, both academically and athletically. Springfield inspired and challenged me to be inquisitive and always to be of service to others."
 
Roach, who was named the director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation at Fordham in October of 2012, begins his seventh season with the Rams in 2018-2019. He has more than 40 years of intercollegiate athletics experience, both as a coach and athletic director.
 
Since 2012, Fordham teams have won nine Atlantic 10 titles, one Patriot League Championship, and made 13 NCAA team appearance. Fordham student-athletes have a 95 percent graduation rate during his tenure and Roach has helped athletic development in raising an average of $3 million per year.
 
A native of Waterbury, Conn., Roach received his bachelor's degree from Springfield College in 1971. He was a member of the Springfield College men's varsity swimming team that won three consecutive New England Conference championships, serving as the team's co-captain in 1971.
 
After receiving his master's degree from Springfield in 1972 when he served as an assistant swim coach, Roach served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972-75 attaining the rank of Captain.
 
Following his time in the Marine Corps, Roach coached collegiate swimming at numerous universities before becoming director of athletics at Brown University in 1990. During his time in Providence, Brown athletic teams captured seven national championships, 58 league championships, and made 34 NCAA team appearances.
 
In 2004, Roach moved to Colgate University where he served as the director of athletics and an associated professor of physical education. The Raiders won 17 Patriot League or Eastern College Athletic Conference titles and made 14 NCAA team appearances.
 
A member of the Brown University Hall of Fame, and the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame, Roach was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year Award.
 
Roach and his wife, Anne, have three daughters, Elizabeth, Michelle, and Alexandra.