Two brothers overcome great odds to walk across the commencement stage together

Two brothers will walk across the University of North Florida commencement stage this week, with strong academic achievements and remarkable personal journeys after both overcoming incredible challenges.  

Morgan, a decorated Paralympic swimmer who earned a silver medal last year for Team USA, is graduating from the Brooks College of Health with a degree in healthcare management. Born with achondroplasia, a genetic condition considered the most frequent form of dwarfism, Morgan stays busy promoting accessible healthcare for people with disabilities, while getting hands-on experience in adaptive sports programming and disability inclusion. 

Michael, who has been a leader on UNF’s campus, is graduating from the Coggin College of Business with a degree in business administration with concentrations in finance and financial planning. Also born with achondroplasia, Michael was adopted from China when he was nine. He didn’t know English or anything about American culture when he boarded an airplane to the United States. He quickly adapted to life in America, including learning English and excelling academically.  

Now both are graduating summa cum laude. 

Both brothers credit their success to the support of parents, Mary and Matt, as well as their oldest brother, Mason, UNF '23 alum currently stationed at NAS Whiting Field in primary pilot training for the U.S. Navy, and youngest brother, Maddox, who is finishing his sophomore year at UNF studying business management. 

“I could not possibly be prouder of all Morgan and Michael have achieved,” said their mother, Mary Ray. “The front row seat we have had in watching their lives unfold has been incredible and is a testament to the power of faith and never-ending perseverance.”  

Morgan 

Morgan, 22, made history by setting a new time record for North and South America in the team relay race at the Paralympic games in 2024. His ability to overcome personal and physical challenges to compete at the highest level highlights his resilience and adaptability in fast-changing situations. 

“I've been swimming for 17 years and, so many times, I've doubted myself, yet I've always tried to embrace being the underdog,” said Morgan. “I am more than a swimmer. I am a child of the most-high God. I'm a true competitor. I love to compete. I live for it.” 

Ray says that he wasn’t born with swimming talent and was terrified when he first learned to swim. It took years of dedicated daily practice and support from his family and in his faith. 

“I am so thankful to have my family who has supported me in chasing my dreams,” said Morgan. “My parents sacrificed so much with trips to swim practice and meets and making sure they're there to support me. My brothers, from driving to practice and racing in the pool together, all helped me dig deep and find joy in inspiring others.” 

In addition to his rigorous athletic training schedule, Morgan interned in the Pediatric and Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program at Brooks Rehabilitation this semester. In his internship, he assisted in organizing and overseeing adaptive sports and recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities, provided support to participants to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, collaborated with therapists and staff to facilitate engaging therapeutic experiences, gained hands-on experience in adaptive sports programming and disability inclusion and earned over 225 hours of service.  

Since winning the silver medal in Paris last year, Morgan met the President at the White House for Team USA's DC Week, was honored at the Jacksonville Jaguars home opener, a plaque with his name was placed on the Murphy Olympic Walk wall at the Bolles School as their first Paralympian, and he spoke at Cox Media's Town Hall Forum. 

He competed in the Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis over the weekend and returned home just in time to cross the stage at commencement this Friday. This competition serves as the qualifier for USA athletes for the 2025 Para Swimming World Championships, which will be held in Singapore from September 21 to September 27. Morgan will learn if he made the World Championship Team in the next few weeks.  

Michael  

As his family invested in his personal success, Michael is inspired to give back and invest in others to help them achieve success with a career in financial planning.  

"Growing up, my parents taught me the golden rule of treating others as I would want to be treated, which I have always practiced by respecting every individual I encounter daily,” said Michael.  

Michael was very involved on campus as co-president of UNF’s Financial Planning Association, member of the Finance and Investment Society and pickleball team as well as past secretary of the Transportation & Logistics Society. He represented UNF’s Financial Planning Program in the FPA Challenge in 2024, the IARFC Financial Planning competition in 2023 and attended the CFP Connection Conference in 2024. He was awarded the 2024 Charles Schwab RIA Talent Advantage Student Scholarship, Coggin Scholarships Endowment, IANA Scholars in Transportation and Logistics, and the Ann M. Traynham Endowed Scholarship in Transportation and Logistics.  

"As an aspiring CFP professional, we are held to higher standards than the average financial advisor,” said Michael. “By putting the client's interest above ours, we can have a profound impact on people's lives." 

Michael was a customer relationship advocate intern in the personal investing unit at Fidelity Investments in Jacksonville during the summer of 2023. He also worked as a remote extern at Amplified Planning in Jacksonville in the summer of 2024. 

Looking ahead 

When he thinks about the future, Morgan sees himself continuing to break swimming records and helping others.  

“I think I see myself helping people who are born differently in whatever capacity that is needed,” Morgan said. “Learning to adapt to a world not built for different abilities is hard and I want to encourage the able-bodied community to be more aware of that. Just as I had to learn to adapt to certain things, the world should adapt to existing alongside peers that may have a different walk in life.” 

After graduation, Morgan will begin assisting in coaching for the Bolles School as well as continue his training towards his second Paralympic Games in LA2028. 

Michael has accepted a full-time position with Fidelity Investments and starts the week after graduation. 

"I am fascinated with the aspects of building relationships between clients and advisors,” said Michael. “I firmly believe that the financial planning profession offers an abundance of opportunities for personal development, focusing on essential qualities such as honesty, integrity, diligence and empathy. These are the attributes that I try to embody daily as I progress in everything that I do."    

As the Ray brothers go forward, guided by their hard-working, compassionate and strong values molded by their family and faith, they both are destined to leave a great impact on this world and in the hearts of others.