Rick Spencer
Class of 1970Alumni Recognition Award, 2007
When asked what lasting message he would give to Naperville Central students, Rick Spencer responds, “Have an impact on those around you – family, friends, co-workers, and community. Make people smile. Care about them, not yourself. Light the room. You’ll lead.”
With these words as his own guiding force, Rick has managed a successful career and continues to live an overall exemplary life. Since his graduation from high school in 1970, Rick’s efforts and achievements have been aimed at the betterment of those who surround him. Such a charismatic and gracious man, Rick Spencer is a devoted community leader who truly lights up every room into which he steps.
In his four years at Naperville Central, Rick excelled in athletics, leading a three-sport, All-Conference career in baseball, basketball, and football. He played on the State Baseball tournament team his junior year, and, as captain during his senior year, led the team to one game away from a state tournament berth. One of Rick’s fondest memories of high school is playing football for his dad, who coached football at Naperville Central for nineteen years. The Wes Spencer Cross Town Classic, the annual football game between Naperville North and Naperville Central, which Rick was instrumental in pioneering, was named in honor of his father.
During and after his high school years, Rick was an active participant in Young Life, as a campaigner, camper and later a counselor and staff member for the organization’s summer camp. He presently serves on the Young Life Adult Committee for the Naperville area.
After high school, Rick attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. While receiving his B.A. in Education as a Dean’s List student, Rick again excelled in athletics, lettering three years in both football and baseball. He then went on to receive his Masters in Administration from Western Illinois University. During these years, Rick worked as an Admissions Counselor and Assistant Football coach at his Alma Mater, and later became Director of Admissions at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
With seven years of college administration experience under his belt, Rick returned to his roots in Naperville, where he began his career at North Central College. Over the years, Rick has assumed the roles of Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid and Vice President for Enrollment Management. Currently, he serves as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, reporting directly to the President and serving on his cabinet. He is responsible for development, alumni relations, marketing (institutional and enrollment), public relations, community relations, conferences and camps, as well as all other external relations. Rick has succeeded in raising $110 million in fifteen years for a plethora of projects, including residence halls, administrative buildings, athletic stadiums, and the ambitious Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center. In doing so, Rick has been vital in connecting North Central College to the community, making Naperville a more unique and prosperous place in which to live.
Rick has had the pleasure of sharing his success and achievements with his family; his wife, Patricia, and two sons, Bradley and Tyke. Both of his sons, proud graduates of NCHS and North Central College, received their father’s athletic gift. Brad was the starting receiver of the 1999 State Championship Football Team, and Tyke will be playing professional football in the Arena Football League.RICK'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: “Have an impact on those around you – family, friends, co-workers, and community. Make people smile. Care about them, not yourself. Light the room. You’ll lead.”
