Friday with President John F. Kennedy, University Day, 1961
After retiring in 1986, Friday became the head of the William R. Kenan, Jr., Fund and the Kenan Charitable Trust. Using the influence and funds of these foundations, Friday led a campaign to improve literacy rates. He also worked to alleviate poverty and improve health care in the South. He continues to be a respected university advisor. In 1991, the university opened a new continuing education center named for William and Ida Friday.