Marjorie Gray Has College Beaming With First RAD Tech Scholarship

03/14/2005

After establishing a nursing scholarship, funding a classroom computer lab for the nursing program, and donating time cataloging music for the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Marjorie Cox Gray went to work on her biggest challenge--battling cancer.

Arts Center patrons might have missed her occasionally at a show or symphony performance, but her triumphant return was proudly displayed with her bright trademark hats that Gray needed for another reason this time. Chemo treatments took their toll on her hair last year.

The effervescent Gray has hurdled the cancer, and along the way has become a member of the OWC Foundation's Legacy Circle, which recognizes individuals who make planned gifts through their wills or trusts to OWC. She shared why she decided to place "my college" in her estate plans.

"When I moved the Bluewater Bay from Charlotte, O-W really became my college," said Gray. "I'd learned about planned giving through the folks at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and I've done something for them, too. This college was and is invigorating with everything O-W does in the arts, the new health programs and now the bachelor's programs."

When she learned the college is in the preliminary stages of developing a Radiology Technology program to augment the existing health technology degree programs already available, Gray didn't blink twice. "I want to start the first RAD Tech scholarship," said Gray. "I want it to be ready when that first student comes through the door. It's exciting to see the college starting another allied health program."

Dr. Jill White, Senior Vice President for OWC, said although the RAD Tech program is not quite off the drawing board "Marjorie Gray's enthusiasm is contagious. It's marvelous to have someone like Marjorie assisting our college in so many areas." White indicated that the college has applied for a state grant to fund start up costs of the program which would become OWC's fifth health instructional program.

Meanwhile, Gray has become an ardent champion for others to get their own estate plans in order. She has even developed her own booklet on the subject and holds classes. But she doesn't tell folks where to leave their charitable contribution. "I just want folks to have their affairs in order, and if they have a charitable intent, then O-W just might slip into the conversation," Gray says with a wry but winning smile.

While her affection for OWC is a major reason behind her philanthropy, Gray, a former nurse and Exxon-Mobile healthcare advisor, acknowledges that her actions are a blend of practicality and passion. "I'd much rather my money go to a worthy cause, something I believe in, rather than to estate taxes," said Gray. "It's just like my message in the seminars I do. What I have done is structure my estate so that the college will receive what the government otherwise would take in estate taxes."

Gray chose to join the OWC Foundation's Legacy Circle and told the college of her plan, but she knows many still must be persuaded that it's a "win-win situation."

"Besides," Gray said with a wink, "I sure can't take it with me."