St. Louis, Mo. – As the Washington University in St. Louis Athletic Department came together to celebrate the year at the 37^th Annual Scholar-Champions' Celebration in the Field House, there was a significant moment to honor and remember Bears' alum, Justin Hardy, BSBA '21, with the introduction of a new award, the Justin Hardy Courage Award.
 
Justin's courageous battle against cancer captured the attention of people across the globe and he left an indelible impact on the WashU community and everyone who knew him and what he stood for.
 
The Justin Hardy Courage Award was established to annually recognize a student-athlete who demonstrates courage, selflessness and integrity; contributes to the well-being of others; and inspires others to make a positive impact in our WashU community.
 
Five-year member of the WashU men's basketball team, Charlie Jacob, BSBA '21, MS '23, was the inaugural award recipient, which was presented by Bob Hardy, Justin's father.
 
In his remarks to the student-athletes in attendance, Hardy said, "Justin adopted the phrase 'mind over matter' which described the way he lived his life. It represents the mental toughness that allowed him to see his cancer diagnosis as a catalyst for positivity rather than despair. It represents the determination that Justin always possessed and the world finally got to see."
 
For Jacob, a leader for the Bears, two-time UAA Defensive Player of the Year, and teammate of Justin's, the award is particularly poignant. "Being recognized for embodying the spirit and values of Justin Hardy is the greatest honor there is. It meant the world to me," said Jacob. "I hope that this serves as a reminder that Justin's courage, leadership, and unwavering selflessness epitomize what it means to be a WashU student-athlete. It was the perfect end to my college experience. I will cherish this memory for the rest of my life."
 
"What a terrific choice for the inaugural Justin Hardy Courage Award," said men's basketball Head Coach Pat Juckem. "Charlie embodies the spirit that we witnessed from Justin throughout his inspiring battle. Both Charlie and Justin brought the best out of each other while teammates and classmates at WashU. Justin's legacy and impact continues to evolve and lives on through Charlie."
 
On hand to celebrate the award presentation was Rich Ritholz, BSBA '84, who came to know Justin through the men's basketball program and the team's annual trips to New York City. To honor all Justin embodied, Ritholz established the Justin Hardy Courage Fund. The endowment will advance the health and well-being of students for generations to come.
 
"Justin was a remarkable young man, who moved me tremendously" said Ritholz. "I felt very strongly that his legacy needed to be honored forever, and the impact that he made on all of us had to be cherished and built upon as the years went on."
 
Those interested in supporting the Justin Hardy Courage Fund can make a gift online.