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President Ed Ray will not have a formal investiture commemorating his recent appointment as OSU's 14th full-time president.

Ray, who took over as president on July 31, said he saw little benefit in spending limited resources on such a ceremony.

"It is an easy choice to me to do something that could really benefit students rather than spending money on my behalf," Ray said. "Students come first."

Ray has asked that the $30,000 identified for the investiture ceremony be earmarked for student aid. The new OSU president said he would like to see the funds channeled into need-based aid for students who may be on the financial edge.

Ray said that he and his wife, Beth, will meet the campus and community during an informal reception some time in October - after students have adjusted to their classes, which began Sept. 29.

"I hope to make myself as accessible as possible, especially to students," Ray said.

The decision by Ray to forego the investiture and channel the funds toward students was met with support from OSU students and administrators.

OSU Provost Tim White said the "heartfelt decision" by Ray speaks volumes about the new Oregon State University president.

"The decision by President Ray to direct funds to our students in greatest need is absolutely the right decision," said OSU Provost Tim White. "It says quite a bit about where his values and priorities are - ones that are very much aligned with the needs of the university."

Ray came to OSU from The Ohio State University, where he spent 33 years as a faculty member and administrator, including his latest position as provost. More information on Ray is available via the web at: http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/president/biography.html.