The following is a quote from William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe about the passing of Raymond A. “Chip” Mason ’59, L.H.D. ’98 on Aug. 22, 2025. – Ed.

A forward-thinking leader, Mr. Mason championed the creation of a top-ranked business school at William & Mary. In 2005, William & Mary named that school in his honor, establishing the first named school at the university. The Raymond A. Mason School of Business upholds the core values of integrity and excellence that Mr. Mason exemplified.

After graduating from William & Mary, he founded one of our country’s most prominent investment firms. Mr. Mason devoted himself to preparing students to launch their own inspiring careers in business. He gave us a model for entrepreneurial-minded leadership that transforms the status quo.

For his unwavering commitment to his alma mater, Mr. Mason received signal honors from the university. William & Mary conferred upon him an honorary doctorate of humane letters; he also received the Alumni Medallion — the William & Mary Alumni Association’s highest award — and the Clarke Medallion — the most prestigious honor given by the business school.

Over the years, Mrs. Rand R. Mason has become a cherished member of our community. On behalf of the university, I offer her and their extended family our most profound sympathy. Mr. Mason’s vision at William & Mary will continue to educate future generations of talented, hard-working professionals to follow in his legacy.

– William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe