BUILDING A LEGACY

THE SPRAY FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND, established by Doris Spray through the KCA Construction Education Foundation, is designated to provide scholarships for Kansas students pursuing a career in heavy construction. It is the largest gift in KCA Foundation history.

In the course of building Kansas roads, the Sprays – like many KCA contractors – have been building a legacy. Earlier this year, Doris Spray made the decision to solidify her family's legacy and their history of leadership within the Kansas Contractors Association by creating the Spray Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. The fund, established with a $500,000 gift from Doris to the KCA Construction Education Foundation, will provide scholarships annually to students who intend to work in heavy construction.

First priority will go to students enrolled in a construction science or related program at a Kansas institution who are relatives of Venture Corporation employees. Additional priority will go to students enrolled in construction science, business or finance at a Kansas institution who intend to work in heavy construction.

"Doris and her family have been an integral part of the industry's success over the years," said Michael White, executive director of the KCA. "Her husband and both of her sons have served as Presidents of the KCA, and they continue to be involved in leading the association's advocacy efforts and strategic direction. With Doris' gift - the largest gift in KCA Foundation history – the Spray family legacy will live on for many generations to come."

In 1973, Doris and her husband, the late Orville "Butch" Spray Jr., bought an existing construction company in Larned, Kansas. Doris said they renamed the company "Venture Corporation" because it was a big venture for a young couple. Butch stayed in a small bedroom above the office in Larned for several years until they moved the company and their family to Great Bend.

"It was very scary," said Doris of getting a small business off the ground. "We double mortgaged our house."

Fifty years later, the company continues to grow with the second and third generation of Sprays at the helm. Doris and Butch's sons – Kip Spray and Chris Spray –lead Venture Corporation today. Their grandson, Kameron Spray, also works for the company.

"We were born and raised in the construction business," said Kip Spray. "We were never going to do anything but build highways."

Butch served as KCA president in 1998. Kip served two terms as president (2009-2010). Chris also served two terms as president (2020-2021).

"It's still dad's company," said Chris Spray. "We're just running it."