David Gray Awards

DAVID EUGENE GRAY David Eugene Gray, born June 21, 1918 in Hollywood, California, passed away June 25, 2005.

Dr. Gray, a longtime resident of Long Beach, California, was a beloved husband, father, educator, administrator, writer, photographer, naturalist, friend and mentor to many. After graduating from North Hollywood High School, David began his career and lifelong interest in public recreation. He worked for the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and started college at UCLA. His career and education were interrupted by WWII where he served in the 70th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He earned the rank of First Lt. and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. After the war, David received his B.A. in Recreation from Cal State Los Angeles, M.S. Degree in Physical Education from UCLA and D.P.A. from the University of Southern California.

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Dr. Gray began his academic career at California State University, Long Beach in 1954 and was the Founder of The Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. Dr. Gray served as Vice-President of Administration under Dr. Stephen Horn for fourteen years and retired from the University in 1983. Dr. Gray also served as: Associate Dean in the School of Applied Arts and Sciences, Chairman of the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, Professor, Assistant Professor and Instructor. One of the most satisfying awards Dr. Gray received was being named "Professor of the Year" by the Associated Students in 1965.

Dr. Gray was the Recreation Director for the City of Los Angeles for 17 years and the Director of Camp High Sierra in Mammoth Lakes, CA for 7 years. Dr. Gray chaired Long Beach's Recreation Commission for many years and the NRPA/AALR's Council on Accreditation. Dr. Gray was instrumental in bringing two Tennis Centers to the city of Long Beach. He also served on the board of directors for the YMCA - Los Altos, St. Mary's Hospital, and the 49er Shops, Inc. and served the community in numerous ways. He received the NRPA's National Literary Award and National Professional Award, SPRE's Distinguished Service Award, and California Park and Recreation Society's Fellow and Life Member Awards.

Professor CeEtta Crayton founded the Therapeutic Recreation Program at CSULB and was a founding member of the Ethnic Minority Section of CPRS.  This scholarship honors her memory by recognizing undergraduate students who demonstrate professional and career promise by volunteering or working in the recreation field to foster individual and/or community development with underserved populations while maintaining a strong academic record,

The Edward and Rosalie Ricci Endowed Student Scholarship was established to recognize a student who has demonstrated excellence in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Up to $2,500

The Recreation and Leisure Studies Alumni Association awards a scholarship in honor of Professor Jack Minar to a student who demonstrates a love for outdoor recreation, registers for the REC 430 Recreation in the Ocean Environment course and may not have the funds to enroll in REC 430.

$500

The Jon Regnier Family endowed the scholarship in memory of their daughter Julie Regnier McCoy, an alumna from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The award is given annually to a Recreation & Leisure Studies student who demonstrates a passion for the recreation, parks, &/or tourism field, and who is currently involved and working in the Recreation field (paid or non-paid).

$1,000

The Lee Tussing Scholarship Endowment supports students pursuing graduate degrees in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and the Department of Public Policy & Administration with experience in parks or recreation management in the public sector.

$1,000-$2,000

The Maridith Curfmann-Janssen Endowed Student Award is intended to support students majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies who are entering their senior year and scheduled to complete the final internship.

Up to $1,000

The Recreation and Leisure Studies Alumni Association awards a scholarship in honor of Professor Marilyn Jensen. Dr. Jensen is known for her commitment to graduate education in Recreation and Leisure Studies, and has been a long-time friend and support of the Recreation and Leisure Studies Alumni Association.

$500

The Recreation and Leisure Studies Alumni Association awards a scholarship in honor of Professor Randy Andersen to a current undergraduate Recreation and Leisure Studies Major who has exemplified the Characteristics of Leadership, and has been an inspirational leader to his/her peers during his/her collegiate career.

$500

The Wynndi Dahlin Endowed Student Award recognizes Recreation and Leisure Studies majors who has had a “break” from studies because of life circumstances, has returned to complete the degree, and demonstrates a strong commitment to the profession and education.

$1,000-$2,000