LAS Donor Award

Donor

2022 LAS Awards

LAS Donor Award

Dr. Joan Klingel Ray, Professor Emerita / President's Teaching Scholar
LAS Outstanding Donor Award
Remarks by Dean L. Lynn Vidler at the 2022 LAS Awards Ceremony.

I am honored to announce our FIRST LAS Outstanding Donor Award.
A native of NYC, Joan earned her MA and PhD degrees in English at Brown University through Brown’s University Fellowship. She came to UCCS in August 1978 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English.
In AY 1993/94, she was named a CU President’s Teaching Scholar. During her career she also served on the Board of Trustees of Chawton House Library for the Study of Early Women Writers in Hampshire, England, which is located on the estate that once belonged to Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight, I might add.
Enjoying a wonderful 34-year career at UCCS, she retired at the end of December 2012 as Professor Emerita of English. As a retiree, Dr. Ray still enjoys sharing her love for and knowledge of the works of Jane Austen: in fall 2014, she taught two sessions on Austen, one on her life and one on Pride and Prejudice, for the PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning in Colorado Springs. In spring 2015, she continued her Jane Austen’s novels series at Grace Episcopal Church, free and open to the public, focusing on Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion.
Joan is an avid supporter of LAS and has established an endowed scholarship through a planned gift to support English Literature Majors and continues to be involved by supporting many causes on campus. Most importantly, Joan serves as a mentor and friend to many in the department and across campus. Through her passion, knowledge and generosity, Joan continues to drive success at UCCS and will do so for many generations who will know the legacy of Professor Joan Ray.
Dr. Joan Klingel Ray, Professor Emerita / President’s Teaching Scholar, Honored supporter of the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences it is my honor and privilege to recognize you as the first recipient of the LAS Outstanding Donor Award.