J. Frank Raley

Under Raley's decades long board leadership, the school rose steadily to national prominence, becoming one of the top ranked public colleges in the United States.

Board of trustees service

Raley also played many key roles in the further development of St. Mary's College and its eventual rise to national prominence. Raley served on the board of trustees for the college from 1967 to 1991 and counseled every president of the college from then until his death in 2012.

Center for the Study of Democracy

Raley had a great interest in democracy and education and was also instrumental in establishing the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary's College.

Honors

The Maryland Senate declared Raley one of Maryland's First Citizens" in 2006. One of the most prestigious awards that a citizen of Maryland can achieve. For his dedication to St. Mary's College, Raley was awarded the schools highest honor, the Order of the Ark and Dove. In addition to the award, the college dining hall in the campus center was officially named the "Raley Great Room". An oil portrait of him hangs on the wall of the great room to honor and remember him.

Acquisition of land for Point Lookout State Park

Raley was also instrumental in getting the state to acquire the land for Point Lookout State Park, now a nationally recognized historic and recreation area.