Memorial Gift for Scholarships
Sherry Murray was a teacher and her late husband, Rick, was a career Naval officer and a graduate of a private college. Their children went to small private colleges much like JU so Sherry says that she appreciates and values a liberal arts education from a smaller institution and understands the challenges these schools face.
Sherry's interest in JU began with the Friends of the Fine Arts program. She was impressed by and enjoyed the programs that she attended and believes such programs get local people to the campus to discover what a treasure Jacksonville has with JU.
Rick was diagnosed with the terminal neuro-muscular disease, ALS (or Lou Gehrig's disease), in 1999. He outlived his life expectancy and, although he was a quadriplegic, until his death devoted himself to raising awareness and funds for ALS.
The Murray family wanted to do something in his honor and they decided that scholarships would be most meaningful. Sherry said, "Because Rick was in the Navy, we wanted a military connection, and because I was a teacher, I wanted it designated for a future teacher."
The CDR Rick Murray Memorial Scholarship was established by Sherry Murray in memory of her late husband. This scholarship combines both of their passions and is a current award to a deserving Jacksonville University student each academic year. The School of Education student must be an active duty member of the military, an honorably discharged Veteran, a Jacksonville University ROTC student or a military spouse.
With a simple Beneficiary Designation Form, Mrs. Murray has also made JU a beneficiary of her IRA assets. This will ensure that, after her death, the scholarship will be endowed and will continue to assist worthy students.
When asked why she feels compelled to give, Sherry said that in addition to establishing a legacy, she wants to share her blessings, to set an example for her family, to experience the satisfaction of helping those in need and to touch the future. With a touch from generous people like Sherry, Jacksonville University's future will be bright indeed.
