During ceremonies at the University of Oklahoma on October 26, 2007, the university announced that friends and the family of the late Oklahoma Governor Raymond Gary have established endowed scholarships in his name to benefit students in the African and African-American Studies Program.  From left are Gina and Raymond J. Gary Jr., Anne and Jerdy Gary, OU President David L. Boren, Mona and Dale Waymire and Louanne Gary. 

 

Emotions ran high as OU students, faculty and administrators joined President David L. Boren and the family of Raymond Gary to announce the newly-endowed scholarships.President Boren reminisced fondly that Gov. Gary’s fortitude and leadership provided an important model for his own career in public service.  College of Arts and Sciences Dean Paul B. Bell Jr. provided a short history of Gov. Gary’s service to the state.  Professor Jeanette Davidson, director of the African and African-American Studies Program, voiced her appreciation for the scholarships.  Student Carlisha Williams talked from the heart about the significance of scholarships for students.  An archival news interview shown during the ceremony even allowed Governor Gary himself to reflect on the challenges of integrating the schools.

 

But the comments from Gov. Gary’s grandson, Raymond J. Gary, Jr., were especially meaningful.  His comments follow:

 

"Thank you, Dean Bell.  Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  My name is also Raymond Gary, and on behalf of the Gary and Waymire families, we want to thank all of you for being here and honoring my grandfather, the African and African-American Studies Program and scholarship recipients.  We would like to acknowledge President Boren, Dean Bell, Director Davidson, Von Allen and Kristen Lazalier for their vision and contributions to this Program.

 

"As has been mentioned in earlier remarks, there is a strong sense of symmetry and imagery in the timing of this scholarship program, the OU Scholarship Campaign and the Centennial celebrations of the State.  It can be said that my grandfather’s actions mirrored the current Scholarship Campaign’s slogan of Keeping the Doors of Opportunity Open, by playing an integral role in opening the doors for people of all colors to obtain a quality education.

 

"However, I’ll leave those lofty analogies to the professional writers and speakers.  I prefer to take a few minutes and attempt to put myself into my grandfather’s shoes, providing you some insight into what he would see and might say if he were here today.

 

"First, he would be very proud of a scholarship named in his honor.  Particularly so, because of the focus and purpose of this scholarship program.  As has previously been covered, the area of education and social justice for all was the subject he cared most deeply about. 

 

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