ANNVILLE, Pa. – Lebanon Valley College has announced that Rick Beard '90, M'92, P'24, and his wife Lisa Beard '93, P'24, will be presented with the 2024 Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award.

The LVC administration established the award in 1985 to honor the late Frank Aftosmes (1902–94) for his many contributions to the Athletics Program. Aftosmes was an Annville businessman and devoted supporter of LVC Athletics, whose statue now stands in the College's Peace Garden. Since its establishment in 1985, 40 individuals have been honored for their dedication and loyalty to LVC athletics.

"For nearly two decades, Rick and Lisa Beard have led Lebanon Valley College Athletics to new heights," said Pat Ratke, director of athletics. "Rick's dedication to our student-athletes and LVC has been tireless, and he continues to move the College forward in his new role with the Advancement Division. Lisa's support of Rick has been unwavering, and they worked together to ensure the success of LVC Athletics. Lisa's dedication to the health and wellness of our students has been unmatched whether through leading a 6 a.m. workout or teaching a late-night class."

Rick Beard has significantly impacted Dutchmen Athletics since arriving on campus in 1986 as a student-athlete. He was a linebacker for the football team and was inducted into LVC's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. Beard has also worked in many roles in Annville as a coach and administrator. He was a member of the football team's coaching staff for 15 years, an assistant athletic director for six years, and the director of the Arnold Sports Center. Beard was most recently the director of athletics from the summer of 2007 until June 2023, before being named a senior major gifts officer with the College's Advancement Division.

In his 16 years as athletic director, Beard was committed to advancing LVC Athletics and providing the highest-quality experience for student-athletes. During his tenure, the College added men's and women's lacrosse, women's golf, women's ice hockey, and Pennsylvania's first varsity esports program. Beard also helped start Lebanon Valley's Academic Success program, the Step-Up pro-social behavior program, the LVCares community outreach program, and the new Human Performance program. Additionally, Beard has played an integral role in completing facilities upgrades such as installing artificial turf, lights, a scoreboard, and a new track at Arnold Field. He helped complete renovations at the College's Shankroff Tennis Center as well.

Along with his contributions to Lebanon Valley College, Beard has been involved with athletics in the surrounding community. He previously was a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Operations, the Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and Falcon Foundation for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District committees.

Lisa Beard has also been heavily involved with athletics at her alma mater since graduating, cheering on the Dutchmen by frequently attending games and competitions. She supported her husband in his various positions with LVC Athletics and their two children, who have been student-athletes at the College. The Beards are the proud parents of Emily Beard '24, current LVC swimmer and women's lacrosse captain, and Tyler Beard, a former Lebanon Valley men's lacrosse player. Additionally, Lisa has taught fitness classes at the Arnold Sports Center for over 20 years.

The Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award is given annually during halftime of a basketball game, with the tradition of free hot dogs for all fans served between the men's and women's games. The Beards will be honored during halftime of the LVC women's game against DeSales University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, with the award presented by the Aftosmes family and President James MacLaren. The men's basketball team will take on the Bulldogs at 3 p.m.

Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @lvcathletics on Instagram, X, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of LVC Athletics.