The award recognises Ray's significant contribution to civil engineering and the road construction industry through pavement education and skills training.
Ray was instrumental in establishing the Centre for Pavement Engineering Education (CPEE), a nationally registered higher education learning and teaching provider offering post graduate qualifications in the fields of Pavement Engineering and Infrastructure Asset Management.
In 2019 Ray was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his commitment to advancing the capability of engineers over an extensive period.
Ray also instigated the development of an extensive range of CPEE Short Courses providing training tailored for the road sector delivered in cities and regional centres throughout Australia.