Richard Meelia '67
Champions of Giving: Richard Meelia '67
Meet the Donor
A 1967 graduate of Austin Prep and father of three, Rich Meelia has an Augustinian heart of gold. Before retiring in 2012, he served for 20 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Covidien, a global healthcare company that specialized in the research and development of medical devices. Rich has been a strong and generous supporter of Catholic education because he believes that a Catholic education prepares students well to go out into the world with compassion.
The Inspiration to Give
Richard J. Meelia '67 at center court in the building that bears his name.
For more than half a century, Rich has been a steadfast champion of Austin Prep – guided by a lifelong commitment to helping students and a deep compassion for those on the margins. In 2013, shortly after Dr. Hickey’s arrival at Austin Prep, Rich pledged a $500,000 matching gift to help the School’s scholarship fund reach its first $1 million milestone. His generosity inspired others to give, ensuring that scholarship support has opened doors for deserving students for more than a decade. In 2019, Rich turned his focus to mission and inclusion. His gift that year helped establish the Office of Mission and Inclusion, a program strongly connected to our Augustinian heritage. Deeply committed to the worth and dignity of every person, Rich was interested in helping every Austin Prep student understand that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, that we all have a responsibility to live the Golden Rule, and that our call as an Augustinian school is to build a culture where belonging is a lived reality—where all members of the Austin Prep community find a home for their mind, heart, and spirit. Because of Rich’s gift, the Head of School appointed Austin Prep’s first Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry who oversees a staff leading ongoing education that prepares students to engage the world with empathy, respect, and understanding.
Center for Integrated Learning
Most recently, Rich once again asked how he could help students most directly. That conversation led to his transformational gift to help fund the Center for Integrated Learning, a major initiative of Austin Prep’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. Thanks to Rich’s generosity, the Center for Integrated Learning brings together academic innovation and personalized support, helping students connect ideas across disciplines and ensuring that those with varied learning styles receive the individualized guidance they need to thrive. Rooted in our Augustinian mission, the Center affirms that learning is a shared journey of mind and heart – where every student is known, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Why Giving Matters
Rich Meelia with Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D., and students in 2023.
In 2016, Meelia Hall was named in Rich’s honor to recognize his incredible support and generosity over the years. When the School first approached Rich about naming Meelia Hall, he had some reservations because, for him, giving has never been about recognition – it’s been about impact. Thankfully, Rich agreed to the naming honor in the hope and belief he could inspire others to support Austin Prep. Inside Meelia Hall, Rich also named the Black Box Theater in honor of his father to support the arts at Austin Prep. His generosity grows from a profound belief that Catholic education is both a gift and a responsibility: a way to lift others, to widen opportunity, and to ensure that every student knows their inherent worth. Whether helping a deserving student find their place at Austin Prep, advancing a culture of inclusion and respect, or shaping the next generation of teaching and learning through the Center for Integrated Learning, Rich gives because he believes in the transformative power of community rooted in veritas, unitas, and caritas. His philanthropy is an expression of gratitude and conviction – a living testament to what it means to serve others with an Augustinian heart. Rich notes that “if you believe in it work for it and if you work for it in a smart way, it’ll make a big difference.”
Become a Champion of Giving
The article above is part of our Champions of Giving series, which highlights the individuals and families whose generosity transforms student lives and strengthens the Austin Prep experience. You too can be a Champion of Giving by supporting our students through annual giving, memorial scholarships, or campaign contributions. Your gift helps students learn boldly, lead with purpose, and serve with compassion — creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
Austin Prep Fund
The Austin Prep Fund strengthens every part of school life, providing vital annual support for academics, arts, athletics, and student programs. Each gift empowers teachers, enhances learning spaces, and expands opportunities for students to grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership.
