After graduating from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1951 withan associate's degree, Ray enrolled at Albion College. He playedfootball and ran track both years at Albion, and gained numerousawards in his senior year. Ray was the defensive captain of the1952 MIAA Champion football team. He was selected as an All-MIAAperformer as both an offensive guard and defensive linebacker, andwas chosen as a member of the Little All-America Team. Ray'sjersey, number53, was retire that year, the third jersey inAlbion's history to have that honor. Ray was also the captain ofthe 1953 track team. By the end of the season he had won the highpoint award and was selected as the Most Valuable Trackman for theyear. At the MIAA Field Day that year Ray captured the pole vaultchampionship.
After graduating, Ray served for two years in the U.S. Navy. Forthe next three years he worked as an instructor and assistantfootball and track coach at Northwestern University. For the nextfive years, he was the head coach and an assistant professor atAugustana College.
Ray then began a career in higher education administration. Fortwo years he served as the dean of student affairs at WashburnUniversity, followed by a four-year stint at Eastern MichiganUniversity, one year as assistant to the president and three yearsas vice president for academic affairs. From 1970 to 1977 he servedas president of Olivet College, and then was president of OhioNorthern University from 1977 to 1979. After leaving Ohio Northern,he held several administrative positions with the C.S. MottFoundation, which he now serves as a consultant. Ray is nowpresident of Loeschner Enterprises, Inc. in Grand Rapids.
During his entire professional career Ray has been involved withnumerous boards, and has been extremely involved in communityaffairs.
