William Swanson and Helen Faris Wray Endowed Fund

The William Swanson and Helen Faris Wray Endowment was established in 1996 through gifts from their son, Dr. Morris G. Wray. Dr. Wray passed away in September 2015 and is survived by his brother, Aubry Wray. Mr. and Mrs. Wray were residents of Purdy, VA, and operated Wray’s Store from 1961 until 1996 first for themselves and then for their other son, Aubry Eugene. They were active members of Purdy Baptist Church. The income from the endowment will underwrite four major awards annually: the University Award for Citizenship, the University Award for Service, the University Award for Achievement, and the University Award for Leadership. Recipients of the awards are selected annually by a committee appointed by the Dean of Students. The honors are the major awards presented by the University on Honors Day by the University President. This endowed fund has no contact person from the Wray family with the passing of Dr. Morris Wray. NOT TO BE COMMINGLED with scholarship funds.