He Really is Big Man on Campus! La Salle Student Rick Barca named ‘Undergraduate Man of the Year’ by Alpha Chi Rho

At the National Convention of Alpha Chi Rho (AXP), La Salle University senior Rick Barca heard something familiar when the announcement was being made for the “Undergraduate Man of the Year” award: the remarks were about him.

“I couldn’t believe it, they were talking about me,” recalled Barca, who is from Sewell, NJ. “I was stunned.” Accompanying the award is a $1,500 scholarship.

Each of Alpha Chi Rho’s 42 chapters nominates one brother for the award. Based on his accomplishments in service to the fraternity and his university, Barca was chosen.

(Two other Lasallians received scholarships from Alpha Chi Ro: Mike Nicholas, who graduated this past May from La Salle, won a scholarship for law school, and senior Paul Flanigan won a scholarship for academic excellence.)

“I knew I was nominated,” said Barca, “but since our chapter received two scholarships this year and received the Man of the Year award two years ago, I wasn’t expecting to get it.”

A double-major in English and Economics with a 3.87 GPA, Barca has served two terms as president of the La Salle chapter, and membership has doubled under his tenure.

“When I first met the brothers of Alpha Chi Rho my freshman year, I was going through a difficult time, and the brothers of AXP supported me as if we were family,” said Barca. “Throughout my time at La Salle the fraternity continued to offer me support in addition to innumerable academic, leadership, and social opportunities. I devote my time to advancing the mission of the fraternity because I want other students to have the same opportunities I have been so generously afforded.”

Barca also serves on the University’s judicial board, founded La Salle’s wrestling club and started a program in which the Chi Ro brothers regularly visit a hospice in center city Philadelphia.

The chapter has been involved in raising funds for ALS, and this past year held a benefit to help a fellow brother whose wife is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

In November, the La Salle chapter will host “Crow Bowl,” an all-day flag-football tournament in which every chapter in the national fraternity is invited. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia.

“Despite only being a 40-minute drive from my house, La Salle has been a crucial step in advancing my understanding of the rest of the world,” he added. “This understanding goes beyond the classroom and extends to the valuable lessons learned while living amongst the La Salle community.”

After graduation, Barca plans on attending law school.