Clifton Daggett Gray

Clifton Daggett Gray (July 27, 1874 – February 21, 1948) He led the college through the Wall Street crash of 1929 to a $2 million endowment and introduced the V-12 Naval Training Program at the college.

Life and career Gray was born on July 27, 1874,

As president, Gray greatly expanded the college's endowment and was active in the Bates debate program. He helped to organize the first intercontinental debate: Bates debated Oxford University in 1921. During World War II, Gray was instrumental in bringing a V-12 Navy unit to train officers at the college.

Gray served as president of Bates until 1944, when he retired.

Bates College honored Gray by naming their main athletic gymnasium after him. The Gray Athletic Building (Gray Cage) at Bates is home to basketball games, and student and faculty activities.