Honored by the Los Angeles Times as “Man of the Month” in 1952 for his performance against San Francisco State College, Ray Dezember had an outstanding athletic record at Whittier College.
He came to Whittier, where he later became student body president, as an All Star Football player from North Phoenix High School Arizona
Ray earned three varsity letters with the Poets, being the leading SCIAC passer in his sophomore year. In 1952 he was named “Most Valuable Player” on the SCIAC champion team, leading the nation in punting percentages, 41.3 yards average, with his masterful quick kicks. That same year he was All Conference SCIAC offensive halfback; All Conference defensive back (safety); was named to the Little All Coast Team for the second year in succession; and was nominated “Little All American”
During his first six years of coaching at Whittier College, Coach George Allen selected Ray as his best offensive and defensive back (safety) as well as the most inspirational player. A hard runner and top passer, Ray amassed over two miles in yardage in his three years on the Poet team.
Ray is Chairman Of the Board and President of a large independent chain banking organization and an active member of the Whittier College Board of Trustees.
Ray resides with his wife Joan, a Whittier College graduate, and their four children in Bakersfield, California.
