FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
CONTACTS:
Joi Ridley
202-810-0225
joi.ridley@uncf.org
UNCF STATEMENT ON PASSING OF WILLIAM H. GRAY III
Gray Served as an Educational Titan
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) mourns the untimely passing of former Rep. William "Bill" H. Gray, III, the organization's former president and CEO. Gray transitioned on Monday, July 1, 2013 at the age of 71.
"As a minister, politician, civil rights advocate and great education leader, Bill Gray was a renaissance man who produced extraordinary results in everything he did," said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, current president and CEO of UNCF. "He elevated this organization and transformed the lives of the students we serve. The entire UNCF family mourns his passing."
Gray led the United Negro College Fund from 1991 until 2004, during which time he raised more than $2.3 billion for minority institutions. Among his organizational fundraising accomplishments: In 1998, Lilly Endowment gave UNCF $42 Million; the gift was the largest ever directed toward the support of minority education in the foundation's history. UNCF was also named administrator of the $1 billion Gates Millennium Scholars Program - the largest gift to higher education in the United States - in 1999. Gray also led Campaign 2000, which raised $280 million - $30 million more than its starting goal - including a lead contribution of $50 million from the Annenberg Foundation.
As a strong advocate for improved research outlets and technological infrastructure for America's youth, Gray created the F. D. Patterson Institute in February 1996. The Institute is the first African American led research institute in the country to design, conduct, analyze, interpret and disseminate research on blacks in education and provide essential information to the public, policymakers, and educators. Gray also led the Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign (TECC), valued at more than $130 million, comprised of partnerships with Microsoft Corp., IBM Corp. and AT&T to bolster the technology infrastructures of UNCF member institutions and improve computer access for students and faculty members at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
For UNCF's staff, students and partners, Bill Gray was a trailblazer - a mentor, teacher and leader who supported the educational advancement of generations to come. In addition to his political, religious and civic efforts, Bill's legacy will always shine through the lives of our nation's diverse, well-resourced student body that stands committed to getting to and through college. UNCF extends its deepest condolences to Bill's family and friends during this very difficult time. His passing is certainly a huge loss to the education community, yet his indelible impression will not be easily forgotten.