Centennial Perspectives

Charles E. "Chuck" Perry
1937-1999
Alumnus, Administrator, Benefactor

Charles E. Perry, known as “Chuck” by the BGSU community, was an alumnus (Class of 1959) and former administrator at the University. A four-year member of the football team under Coach Doyt Perry (no relation), Chuck went on to a distinguished career in higher education administration, government, and business. From 1959 through 1967, he served Bowling Green State University as an Admissions Counselor, Director of Admissions, Director of Development, and Assistant to the President. Chuck also was actively engaged in fund raising for the university, particularly in establishing the Falcon Club and the University Athletic Endowment. Chuck spent two years as the special assistant for educational affairs to the governor of Florida beginning in 1967.  In 1969 he was named founding President of Florida International University. Seven years later, Chuck embarked upon a seventeen year business career which included being both President and Publisher of Family Weekly Magazine, President and CEO of Golden Bear International (in business partnership with Jack Nicklaus), Chairman and CEO of Worldvest, President and CEO of the Friedkin Companies, and CEO of Western Trading and Management. In retirement, Chuck was the founder and owner of Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Texas, and later returned to academia as the Dean of the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management.  In 1998, Bowling Green State University honored his many contributions by naming the Charles Perry Fieldhouse for him. 

For further reading in University Archives

• News articles in BG News
• MS 995 - Charles E. Perry Collection

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