The University of Windsor officially opened Moriarty Way, a named walkway leading to the Toldo Lancer Centre, in honour of Dr. Richard Moriarty a trailblazing educator, researcher and builder of Canadian university sport whose connection to the institution spans more than seven decades.
Mary Moriarty sits beside the newly unveiled Moriarty Way sign during a ceremony at the University of Windsor on April 22, 2026, honouring the legacy of her late husband, Dr. Richard Moriarty. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
The ceremony, held on Dr. Moriarty's birthday, brought together members of the Moriarty family, university leadership, colleagues and members of the Lancer athletics community to celebrate a legacy rooted in fairness, mentorship and lifelong learning.
"My father dedicated his life to making things better for others for his students, his athletes, his colleagues and his community," said Katie Moriarty. "Having this walkway named in his honour, at the place he loved so much, means everything to our family. It is a wonderful tribute to the man and the values he lived every day."
Dr. Moriarty arrived in Windsor in 1952 to attend Assumption College. He became athletic director of the University of Windsor in 1956 and, over a 29-year tenure, grew the athletics program from five teams to 22 across men's and women's sports. As the first instructor appointed to the nascent School of Physical and Health Education in 1965, he shaped generations of students in what is now the Faculty of Human Kinetics, teaching until his retirement in 1998 and continuing to serve the Faculty as a professor emeritus.
Katie Moriarty delivers remarks during the unveiling ceremony for Moriarty Way at the University of Windsor on April 22, 2026, joined by her brothers Sean and Dan Moriarty. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
A distinguished researcher, Dr. Moriarty co-founded the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) in 1983 alongside his wife Mary groundbreaking work that helped establish eating disorder awareness, prevention and treatment research in Canada. He was inducted into the Windsor-Essex Sports Hall of Fame, the UWindsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and received numerous honours recognizing his contributions to Canadian sport and physical and health education.
"Dr. Moriarty's influence on the Faculty of Human Kinetics and on the University of Windsor as a whole is immeasurable," said Dr. Linda Rohr, dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics. "His commitment to his students, to rigorous scholarship and to the well-being of those around him set a standard that continues to inspire everyone in our Faculty. Moriarty Way is a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual whose legacy walks with us every day."
The Moriarty Way walkway features interpretive elements tracing three pillars central to his life and work: Leader, Educator and Advocate.
The Moriarty Award, presented annually to the Lancer team most successful in achieving academic excellence, continues to carry his name and values forward within Windsor Lancers athletics.
