Since graduating from Marist in 1964, Richard, has dedicated his life’s work as an educator, researcher, and author to better the conditions and lives of those living in one of the poorest areas of the United States. He worked for more than 50 years to improve lives in Appalachia through his teaching, scholarly research, intervention programs, and related professional services.
Richard grew up in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and after graduating as a Marist Brother he obtained a master's degree from Boston College. He achieved a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Kentucky and began his academic career at Northern Kentucky State College (now Northern Kentucky State University) in the political science department.
As a renowned scholar, he has garnered universal respect and recognition as evidenced by his legislative and expert-witness testimonies before the United States Senate. He served as a consultant to many agencies and numerous institutions of higher education and received publication honors for 13 books, 200 journal articles, book chapters, reviews, media publications, and academic reports on areas and issues related to poverty, public policy, and responsible leadership. Driven by “The Marist Spirit," he has made an enormous difference in the lives of many.
Since Richard is unable to travel due to a serious illness, four former Marist classmates and one former student traveled from as far as Michigan to central Virginia to take part in the medal presentation ceremony with Paul Rinn: Dr. Bill Reger-Nash '65 from West Virginia, Dr. Ronald Diss '64 from Virginia, John Reynolds '64 from Michigan, and Bro. Rene Roy, FMS '64 from Massachusetts. Paul Browne '71, who is currently the vice president for Public Affairs at the University of Notre Dame and is a past recipient of the Marist College Distinguished Alumnus Medal, would not miss the opportunity to honor his former teacher from Mt. St. Michael Academy in Bronx, New York. Richard was also joined by his wife, Patricia, his daughter Barbara and her husband, two grandchildren and several former students from the University of Richmond.
Dr. Ronald Diss '64, who submitted the award nomination, thanked the Alumni Association for honoring Richard and submitted the following comment:
Richard was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude at the presentation ceremony on Monday, and I'm sure his family, former students, classmates and colleagues will continue to celebrate this recognition for years to come. The presentation of this award at Richard's bedside was a solemn event conducted with dignity and warmth by Paul Rinn and punctuated with contributions of stories and fond memories by those in attendance. It was a day that will be long remembered.
The following alumni could not attend, but wholeheartedly supported Richard's nomination: Frank Backus '60, George Bagnell '62, Ernie Beland FMS '62, George Conboy '62, Al Doerr '60, Kevin Finn '64, Jim Gargan RIP '63, John Herrmann FMS '63, Ray Landry '60, Artie Lavigne '59, Paul Maloney '63, Pat Murphy '62, John O'Connell '62, Konrad Penzkofer '62, Joe Picciano '63, Vin Poisella '62, Bill Shannon '62, Bob St.Amand '62, Mike Sugrue '62, Russ Therriault '62, Frank Sutton '63, and John Wilcox '61.
Richard "Dick" Couto passed away on February 25, 2017, three weeks after receiving the Marist College Distinguished Alumnus Medal.