Ray and Kathy Hayes Win Collegiate Recovery Award for Philanthropy

UA System Chancellor Emeritus Ray Hayes and his wife Kathy were recently honored with the Collegiate Recovery Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Given annually by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, the award recognizes those who have made extraordinary and significant contributions to collegiate recovery.

“We were surprised and honored to receive the Philanthropist of the Year Award,” said Kathy Hayes. “It is humbling as we know that there are many other people across the nation who give their time and talents to support collegiate recovery.”

The award was announced as part of Collegiate Recovery Day April 12. This year’s awards were sponsored by All Sober, a new platform launching later this year with a mission to improve the lives of those affected by addiction.

Ray actively worked to assist all UA campuses and communities to advance behavioral health services. His focus was on the collaborative efforts of academia, research and service. Currently, all three campuses of the UA System have active and ongoing collegiate recovery programs. Additionally, specialized research and intervention services are of major focus at UA and UAB.

As a passionate advocate for collegiate recovery, Kathy is active as a writer and speaker. She frequently speaks on the topic of the family dynamics of addiction and recovery. Her vulnerable and honest insights give a fresh look into the world parents face as they walk through the issues of behavioral health. She also currently serves as the chairperson of the Advisory Council for Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services at UA.

“The importance of recovery cannot be understated,” said Hayes. “It is recovery that saves millions of lives each year. In fact, collegiate recovery saved our son’s life. Giving back offers us a chance to express our gratitude for recovery efforts offered throughout the world.

“Many, many people live under the stigma and burden of behavioral health concerns and we’ve chosen to champion with them for renewal of life. We must destigmatize behavioral health and bring it to the forefront in order to save lives. Could there be more important work?”

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education is the only association exclusively representing collegiate recovery programs and communities; the faculty and staff who support them; and the students who represent them. The focus of the association is to serve as a national support for propagating and supporting the vision of collegiate recovery programs.

To support collegiate recovery efforts at UA, donors can make a gift to the Ray and Kathy Hayes Family Endowed Support Fund.