By Stella Dolan
Published 11:47 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2024
Travis Ricks inspires. He lives his life serving his community.
Travis Ricks, a psychology professor at Bemidji State University, has been key in promoting community leadership and innovation on campus, earning him the inaugural Friend of the Foundation Award.
This prestigious recognition, introduced at the 2024 Welcome Breakfast hosted by President John Hoffman, is given annually to a faculty or staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing the university's mission through relationship-building and effective fundraising efforts.
Travis embodies these qualities through his leadership in programs such as the Bucky Forever Fund, Bucky’s Pantry, and student research opportunities.
Travis Ricks creatively uses Bucky, BSU's beloved mascot, as a dynamic tool to engage and serve the community. From rallying support at athletic events to driving donations for Bucky's Pantry, Travis harnesses the mascot's energy to bring people together and support vital university initiatives.
Bucky the Beaver, a catalyst for service
The Bucky Forever Fund, one of Travis’s most notable contributions, was created out of his observation of the deep excitement that students and alumni share with BSU’s mascot, Bucky, “I observed that a lot of people really enjoyed interacting with the mascot. Sometimes they enjoy interacting with the mascot more than they enjoy the sporting event itself.”
After the pandemic, Travis noticed that the mascot’s presence at athletic events was decreasing, impacting the spirit and engagement of student atmosphere.
Taking matters into his own hands, Travis spearheaded the creation of a scholarship fund for students who embody the role of Bucky.
The Bucky Forever Fund has since raised nearly $9,000, providing financial assistance to students who serve as the university’s mascot, recognizing their efforts and dedication to the community.
Beyond his work with the mascot, Travis has also been instrumental in addressing food insecurity on campus through Bucky’s Pantry, “I found out through discussing with colleagues that Bucky’s Pantry was a valuable tool for our students where they could come in and get a snack or a meal or leave with groceries and be able to have food for the weekend.”
Travis helped fundraise and secure resources to keep the pantry stocked for the next four to five years, “food insecurity is something I just don't want our students to face.” His commitment to ensuring that no student goes hungry is a testament to his belief in creating a supportive environment for all.
“So we decided we could use the Bucky — the same way that a mascot brings excitement to a game, a mascot can also bring excitement to a meeting, a mascot can bring excitement to a depart meeting or visiting an individuals office.”
Dedication to student success
Travis’s impact extends into the academic realm as well. As the director of the Student Achievement Conference, he has provided students with a platform to showcase their research and creative projects.
Travis elaborated on the Student Achievement Conference, explaining how it prepares students for the real-world.
“There's that extra step where you take your knowledge and you start to apply it. You start to see how you use that knowledge to improve your community and yourself. That takes a little bit of bravery because it’s a leap of faith."
"The Student Achievement Conference is this opportunity for students to take that jump, just a little bit smaller jump before they're in their community. When they're in their community, that’s what they’re expected to do – is to create something and to present on it.”
Under his leadership, students have also had the opportunity to present their work at the Minnesota State Capitol. Travis’s efforts to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application have not only enriched the educational experience at BSU but have also empowered students to take bold steps in their academic and professional journeys.
Looking ahead, Travis envisions expanding his impact by taking students beyond the classroom and the Minnesotan lakes and into the mountains out west, where he grew up.
This, along with his ideas to support students from rural communities, highlights Travis’s commitment to making education accessible and relevant to all.
Living an exciting life
At the heart of Travis’ work is a passion for serving others and a desire to make a lasting impact on the Bemidji State community.
“I have a firm belief and desire not to live a boring life. I also have a firm belief that you need to serve. Part of living an exciting life and a life of purpose is to put others ahead and to serve those. And use whatever talents and skills you were born with.”
His philosophy of living an exciting, purpose-driven life has guided his efforts to create opportunities for students and enhance the university’s mission.
As the recipient of the first-ever Friend of the Foundation Award, Travis Ricks exemplifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and innovation that make Bemidji State University a place of growth, learning, and community.
“My community, that has adopted me, is Bemidji State University. So it is my goal to try and make Bemidji State University a good place. A place that trains its students well, that provides opportunities for its students, and enables them to have a world class educational experience here in the northern woods.”
Needless to say, Travis has done just that.
