University of North Carolina (UNC) President Emeritus William Friday passed away Oct. 12, 2012, at the age of 92. Friday served as president of UNC from 1956 to 1986. ACE President Molly Corbett Broad, Friday’s successor at UNC, issued the following statement:
“The loss of Bill Friday is a personal one for me, and for every North Carolinian who had the good fortune to be touched in some way by the remarkable institution of higher education he built. His fingerprints are visible on so many organizations that have made North Carolina a better place to live, study and work. Beyond the borders of our state, President Friday looms large over American higher education and will long be remembered as a champion for the life-changing potential of education. At the same time, this towering figure was our favorite grandfather, sharing freely his sage advice and great personal warmth. This is a sad day, but as we look to the future, it is clear that Bill Friday’s legacy will remain with us for generations to come.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Hennessy ▪ 202-939-9367 ▪ 202-664-4205 (cell) ▪ ehennessy@acenet.edu