University of West Florida

College is meant to be a time for learning, growth and preparation for a career in the working world. That's exactly what Dick Appleyard did when he set foot on the UWF campus in the fall of 1972. 
 
Dick earned a degree in 1974 while playing on the men's basketball team under legendary coach Marvin Beck. He had memorable times representing both UWF and the United States both locally and on an international stage.
 
"We had some great games when we won the Florida Southern Holiday Tournament," Appleyard said. "But one of the biggest moments was when a half dozen Argonauts teamed with other college players to represent the USA in the South African games as their country was showing racial progress in an attempt to lift their probation from Olympic participation."
 
Following graduation, he joined the Appleyard Agency full time, eventually taking over as President of the successful advertising agency in 1987.
 

But seeing the love the community leaders had for athletics and the University as a whole, helped mold his strong feelings for his hometown school. He saw first-hand when community leaders like Vince Whibbs, Donald Mair and Red Vickery pledged their support for the fledgling athletic program at UWF.
 
That fueled a fire in Appleyard that still burns today as he gives back to the University that gave him so much.
 
"The University was finding it's identity when I attended," he said. "The (University's) leadership has focused UWF on excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, engineering, business, campus life and community, and we all benefit and take pride in the success in these and other areas."
 
Dick has been at the forefront during the rapid growth the athletic department has experienced in the past 20 years, providing philanthropic and financial support for a number of Argonaut needs. He and his wife Carolyn – herself a UWF graduate – are members of the UWF Football Founders and the Sword & Shield Council, an elite group of major donors who help guide UWF Intercollegiate Athletics and athletics development initiatives.