Dec. 5, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Bill and Eloise Gay, two longtime supporters of Jacksonville University and its athletic program, have been honored with the rare distinction of having one of the boats used by the JU rowing program bear their name.

"Bill and Eloise Gay have been tremendous supporters of the University through the years and this is our way of giving something back to them," said JU director of athletics Alan Verlander. "It is just a small token of our appreciation of their efforts."

The founder and CEO of W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., Gay has more than fifty years experience in the commercial and industrial contracting business. A graduate of the University of Florida, he began his career in mechanical contracting as a part-time worker during his undergraduate days and worked in the field until he organized his own company in 1962.

A native Floridian and resident of Jacksonville since 1939, Bill is very active in civic and community affairs. The Gays have two daughters, two sons, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His sons, Bill and Bob, are both actively engaged in management positions with his firm.

Bill's civic and professional involvement is widespread. He is a member and officer of numerous organizations, many of which extend beyond his professional and business interests.