WHEREAS, Mary A. Gray, a 1952 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, because of her appreciation to the University and dedication to higher education has remained one of the University's most involved and appreciated alumni, and was determined to give back to the University what she gained; and

WHEREAS, Her determination to support the University showed itself as an undergraduate when she served in several leadership roles, including vice president of the Senior Class, President of Alpha Delta Sorority, secretary of Sachems, president of Junior counselors and a member of both Phi Delta and the Women's Student Government Council; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray continued to give back to the University by serving as president, vice president and past president of the URI Alumni Association, and serving since 1979 on the URI Foundation's Executive Board, its vice president for seven years, and president for three years, leading both organizations with brilliance and sensitivity to their current strength and source of pride and support for the University; and

WHEREAS, She became known as a peacemaker who gained consensus through her skillful negotiating skills and upbeat sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Mary A. Gray chaired the Campus Beautification Committee which has added much landscaping loveliness to URI, as well as leading several other important committees benefitting students and faculty; and

WHEREAS, She is recognized throughout Rhode Island for her many years of teaching and devotion to children, and for her involvement in her church and civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, In 1996 an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, was conferred on her by the University of Rhode Island; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby joins the legion of friends and admirers of Mary A. Gray in coming together to honor her many accomplishments on behalf of the University of Rhode Island. This House is, therefore, proud to proclaim Sunday, June 2, 1996 to "Mary A. Gray Day"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mary A. Gray.