PRESERVING A LEGACY

For over 20 years, a dedicated group of African American alumni have gathered to reconnect with one another and reflect on their time at Morehead State.

In 2013, this passion rose to a new level. For many African American alumni who attended between the 1970s and 1990s, Jerry Gore (Class of 1971, 1972, 1975) was a powerful presence on campus. Serving in varous roles, he made it his mission to support African American students and do whatever he could to help them graduate from college.

When he passed away unexpectedly in 2013, his former students established the Jerry Gore African American Heritage Scholarship Endowment to honor his service and award scholarships to students in financial need. During Homecoming in 2013, the group raised $25,000 to create the fund. Their support hasn’t slowed down since.

At each reunion event, group organizers, led by Michael Gray (Class of 1992), ask for contributions to continue growing the fund. By 2024, the fund is projected to be valued at over $100,000.

“It’s an honor to rally our alumni around a cause that is so personal to so many of us,” said Gray. “For a lot of African American students, they never would have graduated were it not for the support and encouragement of Jerry Gore.”

In 2023, Jerry Gore was honored with MSU’s Founders Award for University Service –the highest award given by the University to recognize the commitment and service of employees and volunteers. His former students showed up to celebrate the honor. Peggy Overly (Class of 1981, 1983, 1985) accepted the award in his honor.

“You’d be hard pressed to find a group of alumni as passionate ...,” said Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), executive director of alumni relations and development. “They don’t just show up for each other year after year; they put their commitment into action with their generous support of their scholarship fund.”