Investing in
Tomorrow's Engineers
The Big R Foundation helps raise money for the NC State University Richard Lee Williams Extraordinary Opportunities Scholarship through various initiatives, including our annual golf tournament. We believe every aspiring engineer deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background. Together, we can level the playing field and empower the next generation of innovators to reach their full potential.
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About the
Big R Foundation
The Big R Foundation was established in 2022 to honor the life and legacy Richard Lee Williams – Rick. Rick loved his family, golfing, and his alma mater, North Carolina State University. The Foundation received its 501(c)(3) status in 2025, and its goal is to continue to grow its funding of the NC State University Richard Lee William Extraordinary Opportunity Scholarship, a need-based annual scholarship for undergraduate students in the College of Engineering.
Meet Rick
Rick was extraordinary, having graduated as valedictorian of the NC State College of Electrical Engineering. He went on to earn his Master’s in Computer Engineering, consistently earning an A in his post-secondary education. Being the humble and kind man he was, no one would have known this about him.
What makes Rick extraordinary is that he shared a deep connection to what was important in his life: his wife, Beth; his children, Zach and Ashley; his love for NC State University, and golf. Rick was dealt a short hand, but he lived it fully, with grace—never bitter, never complaining.
Golf Tournament
Extraordinary
Opportunity Scholarship
Rick and his wife, Beth, were able to pay for their children’s college education; however, not everyone is in the same position. They believed that affordability should not be a barrier to higher education. In honor of Rick, Beth established the Richard Lee William Extraordinary Scholarship to level the playing field and allow students with a financial need-based status to apply for the annual scholarship.
Big R Foundation 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
March 9, 2026
Check-in: 9:00 AM
Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM
Breakfast, snacks, drinks and lunch will be provided.
Our Generous Sponsors
