Charlie Gray Receives Honorary Doctorate from UCF

ORLANDO, FL – May 16, 2016 – On May 5, 2016, founding partner and chair of GrayRobinson J. Charles "Charlie" Gray received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University of Central Florida. Gray also delivered the commencement address at the morning graduation ceremony.

Gray is the founding partner and chair of the GrayRobinson law firm, which has 300 attorneys in 13 Florida offices. Gray’s leadership has played a pivotal role in Central Florida’s development. In 1977, he became Orange County attorney to assist in all aspects of the planning, construction, and financing of the Orange County Convention Center. Using innovative methods and financing, he also developed a modern wastewater-treatment and potable-water program for our area. In 1965, Gray served as the governor’s liaison to The Walt Disney Company assisting with necessary governmental approvals. He chaired the Florida Turnpike Authority, and he served two terms as chair of the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida. Gray has been a long-time friend to UCF. His influence led to the funding and the site location in Orange County of Florida Technological University, which became UCF. He is a Board Member Emeritus of the UCF Foundation Board of Directors and served on the Board from 1985 to 2001 and was chair from 1990-91. He and his wife, Saundra, have supported a variety of UCF projects. Gray holds bachelor’s and Juris Doctor’s degrees from the University of Florida.