June 19, 2008

In the wake of Jason Ray's tragic death in the spring of 2007, Ray's family requested donations instead of flowers. His parents knew he'd been involved with numerous causes before his death and wanted to be able to contribute to those groups after he was gone. This week, thanks to over $100,000 worth of contributions, the first steps will be taken to make that a reality.

Ray's parents and brother will be in Chapel Hill this week to officially endow a scholarship in Jason's name. The Jason Ray BSBA Global Scholarship will provide funding for undergraduate students at Kenan-Flagler to study, travel or work abroad as part of their business education. That's straight out of Jason's handbook for life, as he made sure his education extended outside the classroom by running with the bulls in Pamplona, traveling Europe, and making missionary trips to Haiti and Honduras.

Eligible students will have at least a 3.2 GPA and be a leader of a student group or active in a campus organization. For more information or to contribute, contact Eddie Sartin at 919-962-3195 or eddie_sartin@unc.edu. Donations can also be made online.