E. Ray Speare
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Sport:
Football |
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Year
Graduated: 1894 |
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Year
Inducted: 1959 |
Edward Ray Speare, the son of Alden Speare (the first Associate
Founder of Boston University), was a member of the College
of Liberal Arts Class of 1894, as well as the captain of the
University's first football team.
As Trustee, Speare was instrumental in the hiring of Daniel
L. Marsh as fourth president of Boston University and when
Marsh was inaugurated in 1925, Speare became both his treasurer
(the first full-time University Treasurer) and his confidant.
E. Ray Speare made considerable contributions to the University
during his tenure as Treasurer. He made the University financially
sound following the Boston Fire of 1872 and made it possible
for this institution to survive the Depression of the 1930's.
Prior to E. Ray's tenure as treasurer, the University was
forced to solicit funds from local merchants to meet payroll.
His considerable network of contacts among members of the
local business community formed the foundation of this financial
edifice. As Dr. Marsh's right-hand man, he provided the financial
resources for the building of the Charles River Campus Marsh
Chapel foundation and its growth to major status.
