communigator

In memoriam: Jerry Davis

The College lost a dear friend and benefactor when Jerry Davis, ADV 1968, died on Aug. 20, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Davis and his wife Judy established a technology fund for the College in 1996 to support computer and computer-related technology programs for students and faculty.

He was the co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Computer Management Services Inc. Judy continues to live in Jacksonville.

“It is because of the generosity of Jerry and Judy that we are able to continue to provide our students an exceptional educational experience,” said Dean John Wright. “We could not accomplish this without the technology and software that their gift provides.”

CMSI was a Jacksonville-based consulting and professional services company that grew under Jerry’s management as president, CEO and chair from only two employees at its inception to 800. In 1999, CMSI merged with Computer Associates International, Inc.

In addition to their support of the College, Jerry and Judy Davis have been noted supporters of Shands Hospital and the University of Florida Health Science Center.

In 1998, the Shands Cancer Center was renamed for Jerry and Judy Davis after they made a major donation to “jump-start” the cancer program. It was the largest single gift ever made to the College of Medicine, until the Davis’ next major donation to the Cancer Center 11 years later in 2009.

The creation of the endowment for cancer research was inspired by the Davis’ own struggles with cancer. Jerry’s father passed away from lung cancer in 1975 at the age of 61. Judy was treated for breast cancer in 1988 and Jerry was treated for stomach cancer in 1990.

“While the essence of who he was as a man was driven by his faith and family, a not-too-distant third was his love for the Gators,” said Randy Wright, director of media properties. “His desire to see UF and our College succeed continually allows us to update and upgrade our information technology infrastructure. He was a wonderful friend of our College.”