  | Edward Cox ’33 A Model of Excellence—On and Off the Field | ||||||||||
Profile in Giving By Maria V. Caliri ’86, M.B.A. ’92 Nanogenarian Edward Cox never drove, and he lived in Washington, D.C.—about 392 miles from URI. But that didn’t stop this 1933 College of Business graduate from maintaining a strong connection to his alma mater. In fact, to bridge the gap between rural Kingston and the nation’s capital, Cox helped establish the Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter and served as the group’s secretary through his 80s. Whenever the chapter’s time-honored annual clambake failed to satisfy Cox’s Ram fever, the three-sport star (football, basketball, and track) and URI Hall of Fame athlete would hop on a train to Rhode Island and catch a ride to campus. “He was a true patriot of the University,” says his son John in recalling his father, who died in March 2003 at the age of 93. “He loved the school. It gave him the opportunity to achieve his professional goals. He had a grand life.” With his degree in general business administration, Cox enjoyed a distinguished career. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served as the relocation and planning director for the Office of Emergency Preparedness, part of the Executive Office of the President. Cox was involved in the development of Federal Relocation Centers—secret, bombproof subterranean facilities used in national emergencies. Upon his retirement in 1973, he received a Presidential Citation for his service. Cox also received accolades from URI. In recognition of his untiring volunteer efforts, he was presented with the Ram Award in 1992. Whether helping to fundraise or recruiting basketball players, Cox was a steadfast supporter of URI. “He was always there to help out. He was an active alumni chapter volunteer, a donor, and a font of good ideas and information. Many of us at URI benefited professionally and personally because we knew Ed,” says Vice President of University Advancement Bob Beagle.
To honor Cox and memorialize his passion for the University—especially athletics—the Cox family established the Edward J. Cox Memorial Scholarship. Earnings from this endowment will provide an annual scholarship to an athlete participating in any NCAA athletic program who maintains a 3.0 grade point average. “This scholarship upholds the athletic and academic standards he believed in,” says John Cox. “It represents a perpetual tribute to my father.” Assisting in the fundraising efforts for this endowed fund is Phil Saulnier ’62, former president of the Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter. Saulnier describes Cox as a man who was well respected by everyone who knew him and anticipates that the scholarship fund will grow substantially as a result. “Ed stood up for the standards and ideals of student-athletes all across America and especially at URI,” says Saulnier. Scholarship recipients pursuing academic and athletic excellence will be everlasting reminders of Edward Cox’s values. |
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