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The Boston College community lost an icon when it was announced by Boston College Athletics that long-time public address announcer Andy Jick died unexpectedly in his sleep on May 3rd. He was 66.
Jick was BC’s public address announcer since 2001 for both men’s and women’s basketball, and many Olympic sports. Jick also worked public address for the Boston Celtics from 1980-97.
“It’s a tremendously sad day for all of us with the passing of Andy Jick,” said BC athletic director Martin Jarmond in a statement. “Andy’s love and passion for BC Athletics was evident to everyone who ever had the opportunity to meet him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s friends and family.”
Anybody who has been to a BC basketball game (or really any of the numerous events Jick covered) knows how much Jick meant to the experience. His unique talents and flair for public address will forever be ingrained in the minds and hearts of BC sports fans everywhere.
Anecdotally, I worked for BC Rec as an intramural official during my undergraduate years, and during basketball season Andrew Lutz would let me do public address for the championships. I chose to do it like Andy Jick, because I couldn’t think of a better way to do it. I am sure that I am not the only one who has been inspired and influenced by him.
But he was more than a great talent. He was also a genuinely nice person. Anyone who was in the press room with him pregame knows how much he loved mingling with others in the room, just talking BC sports, or really anything at all. And it wasn’t just being nice, he always gave the impression that he was genuinely interested in what you were saying, and valued your opinion and thoughts.
He was a great talent, and a great person and will be dearly, dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Andrew Jick Memorial Fund at Brandeis University, c/o Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS126, Waltham, MA 02453.
We will update with any information we get from the family or the department.