Boosting Beaver BasketballRicci family creates endowments for both men’s and women’s teams.

Growing up in Corvallis, Joth Ricci joined the crowds packing Gill Coliseum during the ’70s and ’80s. Basketball made a slam dunk into his heart, and so did Oregon State University. After graduating in 1990, Ricci channeled his passion for coaching into leadership positions with companies such as Dutch Bros and, most recently, Burgerville, while also staying active with the university, including as chair of the OSU Alumni Association board.

Now Ricci; his wife, Robin Ricci; and their family have given back in another way, with a $3 million gift that creates two $1.5 million endowments for men’s and women’s basketball. “With this gift, we want to give a shout-out to all the basketball players who have competed at Oregon State, specifically the teams under coach Ralph Miller,” he said. “I’ve had success leading companies because of their inspiration and everything I learned from basketball and coaching.”  

The two Ricci Family Endowed Funds will provide steady, reliable funding for recruitment, travel, training tools and more, supporting long-term stability and growth for Beaver basketball.

The announcement of the family’s gift coincided with news this fall that basketball powerhouse Gonzaga is joining the Pac-12.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to invest in OSU Athletics,” Ricci said. “Any time you are in an uncertain situation, you have a choice to make; you can wait and see what happens to you, or you can get engaged and build your narrative. As intercollegiate athletics continue to change, at Oregon State we have the chance to build and make our program even stronger. 

“We don’t want to let off the gas. This is the time to prepare for the future, and everyone can be part of it.”

The Riccis are the parents of two recent OSU graduates, and Joth’s parents and grandfather are also alumni.  He currently serves as executive in residence for the College of Business and chairs the board for SnoPlanks Academy, the student-led snowboard production company based at OSU-Cascades.