M. Eleanor "Bunny" Wray graduated from Lake Erie College in 1943 with majors in Sociology and Health Education. She received a Fifth Year Certificate in Physical Education in 1944. As a student, Bunny participated in the Glee Club, International Relations, Tiber Board, and the Aviation Club. She served as Business Manager of the Athletic Association, Class President, Treasurer of the YWCA, and as a College Lifeguard.
After graduation from Lake Erie bunny earned a Master of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Pennsylvania State University. She also pursued additional studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Bunny taught Health and Physical Education in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Iowa. She joined the Health and Physical Education staff at Bloomsburg State College in 1957, assuming the duties of Women’s Intramural Director, as well as B Club and Water Ballet advisor. In 1962 she helped initiate and organize the women’s field hockey and basketball varsity sports and coached the field hockey team. With the inception of swimming and tennis as varsity sports at the college in 1972, Bunny became coordinator of women’s intercollegiate athletics and coached tennis. Upon retirement from Bloomsburg State College, Bunny had spent 30 years in the education field.
In addition to serving women’s athletics, Bunny also served her country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Special Services in Germany.
Bunny passed away on September 26, 1985 while playing tennis. Following her death, a classmate established the M. Eleanor Wray Award in Student Leadership. This cash award is given annually to a student government board for the purpose of attending seminars and conferences designed to assist students in becoming better leaders of the Lake Erie college campus. Her fellow classmates joined in the award on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.
The Hall of Fame committee recognizes all of these accomplishments by honoring M Eleanor Bunny Ray as an inducted in the Lake Erie College, athletic Hall of Fame, posthumously on April 20, 1994.
