WHEREAS, Mary A. Gray, a 1952 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, so appreciated her education gained at the University that she was determined to give back to the University what she gained, and became one of the University's most dedicated and active alumni; and

WHEREAS, Her years as an undergraduate showed her early inclination toward involvement and service, as she served as 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, As an alumnus she served as president, vice president, and past president of URI Alumni Association and member of the URI Foundation executive board since 1979 and its vice president for seven years and president for three with exuberant energy and brilliance, leading both to become organizations that strongly enhance the University and influence others to follow in her path; and

WHEREAS, During her work with these organizations she became known as a peacemaker who gained consensus on difficult issues because of her skillful negotiating skills and boundless sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Mary Gray chaired the Campus Beautification Committee which has added much landscaping loveliness to URI, as well as leading the Competitive Grants Committee and Foundation Ball Committee; 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 Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is pleased and proud to honor a lady whose myriad achievements on behalf of the University of Rhode Island have earned her a special place in the hearts of all Rhode Islanders. This Senate, therefore, is delighted to honor this very special lady by declaring June 2, 1996 to be "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.