BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Campbell University alumnus Phil Bray (’84) has committed a significant planned gift to the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, marking one of the largest individual gifts in the school’s history.
Bray chose to designate the gift broadly to support the business school’s ongoing mission. He also hopes the gift helps Campbell stay true to its values and its commitment to students across the state.
“What I hope more than anything is that Campbell will still be the place it was to me,” Bray said. “I hope kids, particularly from North Carolina, will be able to go to Campbell for generations.”
Bray said he hopes his gift “helps strengthen the school to continue to be independent and to provide a Christian education to young people.”
“Joining Campbell so recently it is heartening for me to see an alumnus give back so thoughtfully and so generously,” praised new Campbell president Dr. William M. Downs. “I visited in June with Phil and Sandra Bray at their Beaufort home, and it was clear from our conversation that they care deeply about Campbell and about the distinctive experience our students gain. We’re profoundly grateful for their investment in our students’ future.”
“Phil has been an invaluable addition to our Business Advisory Council (BAC) as he brings a wealth of industry experience and a passion for his alma mater,” said Kevin O’Mara, dean of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business. “He is committed to elevating the student experience for our business majors and, as Vice-Chair of the BAC, provides a catalyst for other BAC members to support a variety of student experiences. We cannot thank Phil and Sandra enough for their generous support and leadership.”
Bray’s professional journey reflects the kind of career readiness Campbell instills in its graduates. After earning his undergraduate degree in business administration from Campbell, Bray built a four-decade career in financial services. He began with BB&T before transitioning to consulting with KPMG, one of the industry’s “Big Four” accounting firms, where he later retired as a partner in 2021.
“Campbell, for me, was a unique place,” Bray reflected. “I really enjoyed my time there. I felt like it had a very positive impact on me.”
A first-generation college graduate, Bray said Campbell’s welcoming environment and the opportunity the school provided continue to resonate with him today. “That’s what I hope Campbell will do for kids in the future: to continue to focus on providing that same opportunity.”
About the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business
The mission of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business is to provide students with a comprehensive professional business education that instills in them a commitment to service, lifelong learning, ethical behavior, and the free enterprise system.