Cornell University honors Brockport native

lled Booth Field, honoring Brockport native Richard L. “Rich” Booth for his leadership and generosity over the years – much of it anonymous. 

A 1982 graduate of the university, Booth was a pitcher during his playing days. In the four decades since his graduation, Booth has been a major benefactor to Cornell’s athletic department. He endowed the head baseball coaching position, served on the Board of Trustees from 2008 through 2016, led a task force on athletics and financial aid, and served on several board committees. He has also been a member of the Athletics Advisory Council since 2005 and recently joined a new Campaign Committee for Student and Campus Life and Athletics.

“Being a Cornell baseball player was probably one of the most formative experiences of my life,” Booth told the Cornell Chronicle. “I’ve always wanted to support Cornell baseball and Cornell athletics in general. I had a wonderful time at Cornell, and I want others to have the same experience I had, or better.” 

Booth Field is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2023 baseball season.

Booth’s quiet philanthropy has been felt in the Brockport community as well. In November 2002, he came forward as the anonymous donor of the Sweden Clarkson Community Center building and grounds. Booth purchased the former Golden Heights property, undertook renovations, and allowed Sweden to be a tenant for a year. He then presented the Town of Sweden with the deed for the Community Center building free and clear. Booth’s donation totaled nearly $3 million.

Booth’s father, Richard Sr., who lives in Canandaigua, told Westside News at the time that his son “is just one of the most generous people I know and he gives these gifts without expecting, or wanting, any fanfare.”

Booth retired as managing director of HBK Investments in 2021. He lives with his wife, Roxanne, in Charlottesville, Virginia. They have three children – J.T., Morgan, and Rachel.

“Roxanne and I have both felt very lucky to have had the experiences we’ve had and we value the opportunity to stay involved,” he told the Cornell Chronicle. “We’ve always believed that giving our time and money to make opportunities available for the next generation was important.” 

Provided information and photo