Rick Mallat, equipment lead technician in the St. Denis Centre, will retire Friday after more than 43 years of service to the University of Windsor, but his legacy will live on. The athletics department has named its Lancer Student Employee of the Year award in his honour.

Jocelyn LaRocque received the award Friday at the Blue and Gold Student Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

An alumna of the varsity women’s basketball team that won five straight national championships, she has worked with Lancer summer camp and intramural programs, and joined the home event staff this year.

Mallat said he couldn’t imagine a more fitting recipient for the first award in his name.

“Jocelyn has been so great here over the last six years,” he said. “It’s really nice to see her get this recognition.”

LaRocque said the feeling is mutual: “I love Rick. I have worked with him for a long time.”

The luncheon honours all student staff who contribute to Athletics and Recreation Services operations, including the St. Denis Centre, aquatics, intramurals and fitness, team managers and therapists, and organizers of varsity events.

Find more information, including a full list of the award winners, at goLancers.ca.