Oklahoma’s 15th governor, Raymond Gary, was known as a pragmatic man with solid personal values, traits that served him well as he faced the defining issue of his administration – integrating Oklahoma’s schools.  As was his style, he addressed the issue with the full weight of the law and a moral compass grounded in his Christian faith.  Gov. Gary was widely lauded for the peaceful integration of Oklahoma’s schools.

 

To honor Gov. Gary’s leadership, friends and members of the governor’s family have established endowed scholarships at the University of Oklahoma Foundation to benefit students in the African and African-American Studies Program.  The first endowed scholarships for the program, they provide financial assistance for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need to complete their education.

 

Photo courtesy of the Research Division of the Oklahoma Historical Society.