The day when University of North Carolina had to be in high spirits celebrating its 219th anniversary of establishment, the mood was not celebratory but that of mourning.

William. C "Bill" Friday, who helmed the university for 30 years passed away in his sleep early Friday. He was 92 years old.

He was the icon of Higher education not only in the state, but in America. His three decades rule made the university one among the most reputed institutes among public universities. It also propelled him to such a position that he retained his influential and persuasive power even after retiring from his position.

"He was a man of unquestioned honor and integrity who devoted a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and service to the University and state he loved so much," said UNC president Tom Ross.

"He also was a man of deep courage and conviction who never backed away from doing the right thing for our students, our faculty or our citizens. We have truly lost one of North Carolina's most special treasures."

Apparently, Friday shared a close relationship with Chancellor Holden Thorp who recently announced he is stepping down from his position at the end of the academic year amid the scandal involving faculty and athletes.

As News Observer points out, 'the two often met in Thorp's office and bandied about many ideas and principles.' Thorp described Friday's values as being incorporated into 'the DNA of the university.'

"The loss of Bill Friday is significant whenever it occurs," Thorp told a group of reporters and TV news crews at the steps of the Old Well Friday.

"The fact that it happened on University Day just makes it all the easier to remember all that he's done for the university."

Former students remember him as a down to earth person, who wrote personal congratulatory notes to students and professors when they won awards.

Charlotte Observer reports:

"He had a way of connecting with people, and had a stunning memory for names and places. In the UNC offices, he insisted that his staff bend over backwards to be courteous to visitors who walked in the door."

He is survived by his wife, Ida, and daughters Frances and Mary. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Betsy.

Friday was born in Raphine, Va., but grew up in Dallas, N.C., earned a bachelor's degree in textile engineering from N.C. State University in 1941. He married Ida Howell a year later and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1942 until 1946. After World War II, he entered Carolina's law school, where he was president of the Law School Association, and graduated in 1948.