The Boston University Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of former director of athletics Gary Strickler (STH '67, SED '71), who passed away at the age of 77.
 
Strickler served as athletic director from 1989 until his retirement in 2004. He had previously been in several positions at BU since 1969, when he came to the University as an academic counselor in the Questrom School of Business.
 
The department underwent significant growth during Strickler's tenure, most notably in the number of women's varsity programs. When Strickler transitioned to the Department of Athletics in 1988 as assistant athletics director, there were 10 men's teams and just six women's teams. When Strickler retired in 2004, the number of women's programs doubled to 12 and the total number of sponsored sports increased to 23.
 
Off the field, Strickler oversaw a vast improvement in the department's facilities, most notably the construction of Agganis Arena, which opened in January 2005. Strickler's fundraising efforts led to the creation of the Elliot H. Cole Academic Center in 1993. He also spearheaded the completion of DeWolfe Boathouse and the Track and Tennis Center, in addition to the renovation of BU Softball Field and the resurfacing of Nickerson Field.
 
BU claimed over 85 conference championships during Strickler's 15 years of leadership. The Terriers also made 55 NCAA tournament appearances, winning three national titles. In addition, Terrier athletes earned over 90 All-America accolades under Strickler's guidance.
 
A native of Stephens City, Virginia, Strickler received his bachelor's degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in 1963 and two master's degrees from Boston University. In 1967, he earned his master's of sacred theology, while he received his master's in education in 1971.
 

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Nancy Feldman, head women's soccer coach
"In 1995, Gary Strickler (and Averill Haines, then Assistant Athletic Director) gave me the greatest professional opportunity of my life. Gary offered me the chance to become the first head coach in the history of BU Women's Soccer. I am so appreciative of the guidance he provided during the early years of my career at BU. He was a wise and gentle man, and truly cared about Boston University and the Terrier student-athletes."

Neil Roberts, head men's soccer coach
"I worked with Gary even before he came to Athletics when he was in the Questrom School of Business. He was one of the most consistently honest and loyal people I've worked with while at BU. He was a kind and soft-spoken gentleman who was just a special person. Our sympathies go out to his wife, Stella, and his daughter, Kendra. He left his mark at BU, and the people who worked with him will never forget him."

Jack Parker, head men's ice hockey coach (1973-2013)
"Gary was both my boss and a personal friend - and I know I'm not unique in that feeling. He was a true coaches' AD who was on our side all the time and wanted us all to be successful. He was so sincere and concerned for everyone in the department and that made for a truly nice atmosphere around BU Athletics."

Lesley Sheehan, head women's tennis coach
"I am saddened by the news of Gary's passing. I got to know Gary well and he did a great job here at BU as the athletic director. He took great pride in Boston University, the athletic department, the coaches and the student-athletes. I will remember his kindness and the great friendship that we had. He will always and forever be a Terrier."

Sally Starr, head field hockey coach
"Gary was a great fan and supporter of BU Athletics. I remember seeing him at almost every contest regardless of sport or season. He always had a kind word to say regardless of outcome and knew all of my athletes by name."