Tony Blake, a long-time ardent advocate and supporter of Guilford, and especially of Hege Library’s vision as an “Academic Commons,” considered the College “a gem of a liberal arts college” and “perfect” for his younger daughter, Eliza, who graduated in 1990.

He was Clerk of the Friends of the Library Board beginning 2006 after serving with the group for a number of years, and in 2008 he originated the concept of FOL programming featuring Guilford faculty hosting conversations relating to the Bryan Series.

Tony died Jan. 11, and visitation with his family will be Jan. 16 from 2-4 pm at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home on North Elm Street in Greensboro. A private interment will follow at a later date in Massachusetts.

His wife, Barbara, who joined him in supporting Guilford, died in 2019. Together, they were generous donors to the College, including establishing the Anthony and Barbara Blake Scholarship.

“Tony was above all a dear man and a fine human,” says Suzanne Bartels, Director of Hege Library and Learning Technologies. “He also was a dedicated life-long learner. He loved and supported Guilford over many years and was particularly committed to the Library.”

She adds: “He was excited by our vision for Hege Library and the promise of a bright future with a new mission to support Hege’s reimagining. We owe so much to him for his unwavering support, and Guilford as a whole has benefited greatly from his belief in and support of the College as a proud Guilford parent.” 

Tony was a native of Terre Haute, Ind., who studied chemical engineering at Purdue and Yale Universities, and worked at Exxon and Gilbarco. His career took the family to live in New Jersey, Germany, England and North Carolina.

His family has asked that In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Greensboro Urban Ministry.