Dr. Gene Wells Ray Culminates Lifetime of Giving with Major Commitment to Racer Basketball
Donors
Dr. Gene Wells Ray (鈥�60) and Mrs. Taffin Ray, through the Gene and Taffin Ray Family Foundation
Gift
Major commitment to the Racer Men鈥檚 Basketball Program
Impact
After decades of generous support for both academics and athletics at 猫咪社区app State, including especially to the University鈥檚 cybersecurity and network management program as well as to Racer Basketball, Dr. and Mrs. Ray cemented their legacy with their recent contribution to support the future of the men鈥檚 basketball program. Their generous gift will help Racer Athletics invest in both its student-athletes as well as basketball facilities for years to come.
Inspiration
The name of the late Dr. Gene Wells Ray, who passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, is known to all members of the 猫咪社区app State campus community. Not only does the Dr. Gene W. Ray Science Campus honor him with its naming, but so does the Dr. Gene W. Ray Basketball Practice Center. Born and raised in 猫咪社区app, Dr. Ray鈥檚 love of academics blossomed while he was a student at 猫咪社区app State, graduating in 1960 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. After earning his masters and doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Ray forged a distinguished career in technology and defense, most notably by co-founding The Titan Corporation which eventually grew to employ over 15,000 people. He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, including the Kentucky OAK Award (Outstanding Alumnus of Kentucky) and 猫咪社区app State鈥檚 Distinguished Alumnus award in 1981. Dr. Ray and his wife Taffin have supported 猫咪社区app State robustly for decades both with their time and treasure, including Dr. Ray鈥檚 service on the 猫咪社区app State University Foundation Board of Trustees and his recent service as honorary co-chair of the National Campaign Council. With their recent commitment to Racer Basketball, the Rays have made a significant addition to their already consequential legacy among 猫咪社区app State鈥檚 biggest supporters and fans.