Keeping the faith

Ray York is not an arrogant guy, by any means. But he's confident enough that all of his children will attend NDSU to carve their names in stone.

York, who is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, received his bachelor's degree in animal science in 1971. He and his wife, Kay, a 1971 graduate of Minot State University, now farm near Kenmare, N.D. I gained a lot from NDSU while I was there, says Ray. This was a good way to give something in return.

When they bought the tile, two York children were students at NDSU. Jarvis completed a degree in agricultural systems management; Jardy, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, graduated in apparel and textiles. Confident that their two younger daughters, Joanna and Jenica, would attend NDSU, Ray and Kay listed their names on the tile as well.

Joanna entered NDSU in 1999. All that remains is for Jenica, a high school sophomore, to follow.

York isn't pressuring his youngest: I told her she can go wherever she wants, but I think she'll graduate from NDSU, too, so we wanted her name on the tile.

As our kids grow up, they can show the tile to their children, our grandchildren, says York. It's nice for our family.

Martin Fredricks