HOMECOMING 2015 A special publication of The Murray State News Photo by Chalice Keith/The News
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October 9, 2015
The News
October 9, 2015
Friday
Homecoming
Schedule of Events
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hutson School of Agriculture Dean’s Circle Luncheon 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Carter Memorial Plaza Dedication and Reception 4 p.m. check-in and 5 p.m. start Campus Recreation 5K 5:30 p.m. Golden Anniversary Class Reunion 6:00 p.m. Hutson School of Agriculture Picnic 6 p.m. Omega Psi Phi 45th Anniversary Banquet 7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball Game vs. Eastern Illinois 7 p.m. Alpha Phi Alpha Miss Black & Gold Pageant
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Saturday
Sunday
8 a.m. College of Education and Human Services Homecoming Breakfast 8 a.m. “M” Club Breakfast Hosted by the Department of Athletics 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Pogue Library Open House 9:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade 10 a.m. – Noon Kappa Delta Sorority Alumnae Open House 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tent City 3 p.m. Murray State vs. Austin Peay 7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. SIU Edwardsville 7:30 p.m. NPHC Step Show
10:30 a.m. Chi Alpha 40th Anniversary Bash 12 p.m. Chi Alpha Alumni Lunch 6 p.m. Chi Alpha Meet and Greet with Co-Founder Darrell Ramsey
Chalice Keith/The News
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Homecoming game celebrates family, football Mallory Tucker
Staff writer
mtucker11@murraystate.edu
Athletes lace up their cleats and take to the field for many reasons. Some play for themselves – for the satisfaction of a game well played or for the glory and recognition of a victory. Some play for their families, a tradition passed from father to son or mother to daughter. Some athletes play for their coaches, to earn the respect and approval of an influential figure in their life. Some play because it’s all they’ve ever known, as they’ve had a ball in their hands from the time they could walk. At the Homecoming football game Saturday, the Racers are playing for their fans, a truth known all too well by the senior class. The Homecoming game will kick off at 3 p.m. at Roy Stewart Stadium, just a half hour after the conclusion of the beloved Murray State tradition Tent City. While the football players are unable to attend the array of tents surrounding their turf, they know that for four quarters they will be the center of attention, and that makes them just as much a part of Homecoming as attending any parade, tailgate or meet-and-greet would. These athletes have given up four years of social events to take part in four years of something just as near and dear to the Murray State community: the Homecoming game. “It’s very exciting,” said Robert Olive, senior offensive lineman. “We get to come out here in front of fans, family one last time. It’s a big tradition here. For a lot of people, Murray State is family. Their lives began here. There’s so much heart that goes into Murray State. It’s good to come out on the field and be a part of that.” Although the players have opted out of tailgating and
Chalice Keith/The News
The football team huddles together during practice at the beginning of the year. The team will take on Austin Peay during Homecoming. mingling in lieu of hydrating and stretching, they have formed their own traditions that make Homecoming special both on and off the field. “One thing I look forward to at Homecoming is seeing my old teammates that I played with when I first got here,” said Pokey Harris, senior running back. “I get to catch up with them and see what they’ve been up to. That’s probably the most exciting part about homecoming.” Notable football alumni including members of the 1995 and 1996 OVC Championship teams and head coach for both titles, Houston Nutt, will grace the stands Saturday before being recognized at halftime for the 20th anniversary of the 1995 title. More recent graduates will be watching their former teammates’ skills under the new leadership of Head Coach Mitch Stewart. Harris, Olive and senior defensive back, DeQuinten Spraggins, all have family coming into town for the game, but Spraggins will be on the lookout for one spectator in particular. “I have a friend that I played with in high school
who went off to the Army,” Spraggins said. “He was supposed to be coming back to catch at least one of my games, and I invited him to come to Homecoming. So I’m really excited to enjoy that time with him and my family.” Time off the field will be enjoyed with loved ones, but on the field, the men are still doing business. “Take it one game at a time,” is the mantra heard over and over from the mouths of these student athletes. Although they’re taking the upcoming game in stride, Harris, Olive and Spraggins know there is added pressure on their shoulder pads from both the homecoming celebration and a four-game losing streak. “I know it means a lot to this community,” Spraggins said. “We just want to show that we really can do great things on the field. We haven’t been showing that, but I’m ready for us to win so we can show them that we are what we say we are.” As for the sentimental side of these rugged athletes, all three seniors plan to come back for Homecoming after they graduate. The transi-
McKenna Dosier/The News
Players practice for a game and run drills at Roy Stewart Stadium. tion from athletes to fans next year will be more about renewing their relationships with each other, with their families and with Racer Nation than it will be about their successors’ stats. Looking back on their collegiate years, however, proved those relationships might have been what it was
about all along. “It went fast,” Olive said. “Starting from little league all the way up, it went by fast. You wouldn’t think so during, but once you get to the end you’re just like, ‘Wow, time went by.’ You meet so many new people, people that have become family. People you love.”
The News
October 9, 2015
Majors/Areas
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Accounting Advertising Business Administration Computer Information Systems Computer Science Economics Finance Graphic Communications Media International Business Journalism Logistics & Supply Chain Management Management Marketing Organizational Communication Public Relations Telecommunications Systems Management Television Production
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Business Administration (M.B.A.) Economics Information Systems Mass Communications Organizational Communication Professional Accountancy Telecommunications Systems Management
Study Abroad opportunities
Semester in Regensburg Fall 2016: BUS 396 with Fred Miller, ACC 200 and MKT 360 with Tommy Stambaugh London Spring Break 2016: Intercultural Communication with Patty Parish International Business Seminar Winter 15-16 & Summer 2016 BUS 396/696 with Joy Roach
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270-809-4181 http://www.murraystate.edu/business
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October 9, 2015
Remembering Jim Carter: the man, the legacy
McKenna Dosier/The News
The Carter Alumni Plaza outside of the late Carter’s former office space, the Alumni Center. Connor Jaschen || Features Editor The plaza outside the Murray State cjaschen@murraystate.edu Alumni Center will be renamed the Carter Alumni Plaza, in honor of his The Murray State Alumni office dedication to the university. will be commemorating the late Jim Mark Welch, director of commuCarter, former vice president of nity relations and alumni affairs, institutional advancement and execspearheaded the campaign for the utive director of the MSU Alumni dedication in memory of Carter, Association, on Oct. 17. On Feb. 17, who Welch said was instrumental in Carter passed away after a battle bringing events such as the Lovett with cancer.
Live series onto campus. “Jim had a love for music and felt like there were concert opportunities two hours away from Nashville,” Welch said. Welch, who said he originally met Carter while they both attended Murray State, called Carter a visionary who always pushed for more. “I think part of Jim’s legacy is an effort to inspire organizations to think outside of the box,” Welch said. Carter also was instrumental in forming the Swim, Bike, Run organization, which will host a 5K run on Oct. 31 to raise money for the Carter’s Kids on Campus endowment fund, Welch said. According to their event description on runsignup.com, Carter was known as the “godfather” of Swim, Bike, Run, within the confines of the organization. The 5K run will cost $25 to enter and registration closes Oct. 30. Carter’s Kids on Campus is another piece of the Murray State puzzle Carter had a hand in creating, offering prospective students who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to come visit Murray State.
The goal for the fund is to reach $100,000 in endowments before Dec. 31. Welch said the goal is just over halfway achieved. Jeanie Morgan, coordinator for student activities, said she also met Carter during her time as a Murray State student, but didn’t become close until they reached a working relationship later on in their lives. Carter, she said, offered her a job at Murray State in the first place. “People related well to him,” Morgan said. “He was probably the face of Murray State for many years.” Both Morgan and Welch said Carter was an entrepreneur at heart with an absolute dedication to Murray State students. “He loved his children and he loved his Murray State family,” Morgan said, with tears in her eyes. “He was very caring.” Morgan said she believes Carter would be proud of how far the university has come and all that’s been accomplished by its faculty and staff. “I think he would be excited about looking forward to what could come next,” Morgan said. “And I think he would be right there pushing it.”
Annual Homecoming parade returns with superhero theme Gisselle Hernandez
Assistant Features Editor
ghernandez1@murraystate.edu
Homecoming, hosted by the Student G o v e r n m e n t Association, or SGA, is described by many as an exciting tradition to make alumni feel proud that Murray State is their alma mater. To Jeanie Morgan, adviser of the SGA and adviser of student organizations, Homecoming is even better than Christmas. This year, one of Murray State’s longest Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming parade, is being held on at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Murray. As customary, dignitaries, Greek organizations and other student
organizations will line up at the town square and march down Main Street, ending near Sparks Hall. Homecoming parade centers around a different theme every year that is chosen by the SGA, the Alumni Association and Racer Athletics. Organizations participating in the parade are to base their floats off the corresponding theme and this year it happens to be based on superheroes. “Raise Your S.H.I.E.L.D” is the theme, with the acronym standing for Superheroes Invested in Education, Leadership and Diversity. This is the first time the theme isn’t restricted to Murray State’s Blue and Gold/Racer-themed cri-
Nicole Ely/The News
Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon prepare for this year’s annual Homecoming parade. teria for floats as in pre Nathan Payne, presvious years. ident of the Campus Area banks sponsor a Activities Board and float competition with vice president of the judges stationed along SGA, looks forward to main street to vote for the different ways orgathe best float. The winnizations decide to repner is announced at halfresent the theme. time during the football “My favorite part game and receives a is getting to see what plaque. everyone comes up
with for floats,” he said. “You really don’t know what’s going to come around the corner when you line them up till the day of.” Homecoming is an extensive event, requiring early planning and careful procedures which, according to Homecoming chair of the Campus Activities Board, Kalli Bubb, begins before the end of spring semester. Procedures include meeting with the Murray City Police and Murray State police regarding safety. So far, this year there have not been any issues regarding preparation for the parade or issues with those participating, according to Bubb. “This is my third year doing it and it is kind of smooth sailing,” Bubb
said. “It’s a ritual now basically, except for the weather the day of.” Homecoming is full of traditions and customs that are repeated every year but on Saturday, the parade consists of a little surprise students and the Murray community can look forward to, according to Morgan. “There is something a little different about [the parade] this year,” Morgan said. “Nothing drastic, just a little surprise.” Students who have been involved in the SGA in any way, whether through a committee or some other form of participation, are welcomed to be part of the “Family Photo” the SGA will take at the 50-yard line at Tent City at 2:30 p.m.
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From an idea to the field Racer Band revels in joy of making, performing music
Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu
Racer Band will perform a piece Saturday that took nearly three months to polish. Director of Racer Band John Fannin wrote the performance in late July. The next step involved meeting with the drum staff to write the percussion music and creating the choreography for the color guard, work they all completed before students came back to campus. Between everyone, Fannin estimates that it took about 40 hours of work. “Something that is not often noticed, because it is done all behind the scenes, is how much work and time and effort goes into helping the band prepare to perform,” said Racer Band President Tori Bertram. Bertram, a senior from Paducah, Kentucky is responsible for everything except for visual and musical performance. These responsibilities range from running leadership training for section leaders to helping organize the Festival of Champions competition. After creating the music and choreography, Fannin spent another 40 hours writing out each formation and getting the coordinates onto paper. Fannin said the show design is like a dance recital or a musical. “Good show design is where I can make the audience look and listen here and then look and listen here,” Fannin said. “So what I’m trying to do is create enough empty space around soloists and important parts of the melody.” Another component to creating a performance is picking the music. “We have three kinds of crowds,” Fannin said. “There’s a crowd that would
Jenny Rohl/The News
Racer Band member Katherine Hollar focuses during a performance. Racer Band performs during halftime at every Murray State game. like for us to be like a drum and bugle corps, so the first song is for them.” Fannin said the second song is a classic for the older crowd, generally circa 1969, but is still on the radio today. The final set is the pop chart for the students and this year those songs are Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” Jessie J’s “Bang! Bang!” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Once the band members arrived on campus the learning process began. Each member of the band participated in a camp that started on Aug. 8th. The practices lasted about eight hours a day and for 10 days. The band continues to practice during the semester for seven hours a week. They work on learning the coordinates for the routines and practice playing the music. “The work on the show is never done, but we work hard to make it as great as it can be,” said Racer Band
Vice President Samantha McMullen. McMullen, junior from Washington, Illinois, said there is attention to detail in all aspects of the performance, from making sure everyone is lined up where they need to be to making sure uniforms are hung up correctly. TAKING THE FIELD After countless hours of practice, the Racer Band heads on to the field and prepares to perform for the fans. Senior Lucas Celsor from Russellville, Kentucky, a Vice President of Racer Band, said he loves every second of being a part of the Racer Band. His favorite part is performing and seeing the crowd react to the music. “Heading off the field is almost overwhelming sometimes, just to see everyone stand up and cheer and get really loud,” Celsor said.
Dupri Marshall, freshman from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, said the feeling after his first performance was unforgettable. Marshall said the opportunity to perform for thousands of appreciative fans as a part of the Racer Band will never get old. Fannin said the most satisfactory feeling is seeing the freshman come off the field with the smiles on their face after their first performance. “I applaud President Davies because he knows where it’s at to watch the halftime, at track level, to see the students faces and to watch their expression,” Fannin said. It is a different experience performing with the Racer Band compared to doing a high school performance. “In high school band you go because you have to, but in Racer Band you go because you want to be there,” Marshall said.
Marshall said the best part about Racer Band is the relaxing atmosphere in comparison to high school band. “These students aren’t getting a scholarship, they are doing it because they love it,” Fannin said. Under the direction of John Fannin, Racer Band has grown from 85 members in 1995 to around 300 members. Celsor said the Racer Band is more than a group that performs music and formations. “Racer Band is one of the best traditions at Murray State,” Celsor said. “It goes right along side some of the other traditions like the shoe tree and All Campus Sing.” Celsor said the entire process is time a commitment for the members of the band but they do it out of love and strive for a perfect performance every time they are on the field. “Success is never an accident,” Fannin said.
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Racer One: A tradition of Murray State’s own Breanna Sill || Staff writer bsill@murraystate.edu
For most universities, college football isn’t just a sport. It’s a tradition. At University of Pennsylvania students throw toast on the field during home games at the end of the third quarter and at University of Tennessee, fans love and guard their mascot, a beloved blue tick coonhound Smokey, like he’s their own. At Murray State, students and alumni share a tradition of their own Racer One. Racer One is a horse and jockey team who run the track around the football field after every touchdown at home football games in Roy Stewart Stadium. Every year there is a heavy interview process to determine who the jockey for the following year will be. This year’s jockey is Lindsey Kelly, senior from Belleville, Illinois. “It’s such a privilege to be a part of such a long lasting tradition,” Kelly said. “We take pictures with fans, attend fundraisers and other school functions as requested. Most importantly of all, we gallop around the stadium for every home touchdown.” To be selected as this year’s Racer One jockey Kelly was tested on how
well she can groom, tack, ride and control her horse. “I think Lindsey is the best rider I’ve seen at Murray State,” Gary Atkerson, lecturer of agriculture and Racer One coordinator. “She’s probably one of the top ten that I have known of in my life.” The Racer One tradition began 39 years ago in 1976. The first official horse was named Violet Cactus and when she died in 1984 her ashes were buried in the north end zone of Stewart Stadium. The same spot Racer One still begins their victory lap today. This year’s horse, named Kit, is a 5-year-old quarter horse. Kit is also Kelly’s personal horse. “Riding around the stadium really has no words to describe it,” Kelly said. “It’s such an adrenaline rush.” Atkerson said people do not just come to football games anymore for the football, people come for the tradition of it all. “Football games are no longer just football games, they’re productions,” he said. Murray State’s mascot was originally the Breds, as in thorough bred horses, before it was changed to the Racers. “Why not have live horses at games to get the crowed excited,” Kelly said. “We have such a huge agriculture
Chalice Keith/The News
This year’s Racer One horse is Kit, a 5-year-old quarter horse owned by jockey Lindsey Kelly. program, so horses have never been in short supply.” Atkerson agreed with Kelly in that our large agriculture department plays a large part in the fact that we have a live horse as our mascot at football games. “It definitely keeps ag in the spotlight,” he said. “We are finally getting some funding together to make it into what it needs to be.” One thing that new funding has provided for the Racer One program is a
new horse. “He is a gray, five year old quarter horse we named Lobo,” Kelly said. “We are trying to prepare him for the last game or two.” What it boils down to, for Kelly, is the feeling of pride that will come with riding her own horse around the track at this year’s homecoming game. “The prideful feeling looking into the smiling faces of the fans as I wave and ride by,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
NPHC Homecoming Step Show honors ‘heritage of stepping’ Brianna Willis || Staff writer bwillis2@murraystate.edu
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, or NPHC, hosts a step-show every fall for homecoming at Murray State. This year it will be on Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. While stepping as an art form originated at historically black colleges and universities, stepping has been brought to universities nation-wide, and to Murray. “These shows were performed as people crossed over into their organizations,” said Shelbie Pittman, senior from Memphis Tennessee. “They started with singing and chanting, and they eventually added movements.” Step shows have a rich history; one that the show’s host, Rick Daniels, has written a book on. Today stepshows have added more elements to the performances, such as video
Hannah Fowl/The News
The National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show will take to Lovett Auditorium Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. clips, and better technology. Music is played during breaks, and the atmosphere is established to encourage audience participation. Ariel Watson, senior from Lexington Kentucky, finds the stepshow to be a way to celebrate homecoming in a fun and original way. “I feel like us stepping is a way to celebrate our school, our orgs and
have a little fun with the campus,” she said. Stepping is an art form that has been adopted by Greek organizations. Stepping is a creative outlet to bond with each other and allow students, who previously may not have any knowledge of stepping, a glimpse into Greek life. “This show allows for the student
body to see tidbits of the heritage of stepping,” said Victoria Marables senior from Louisville, Kentucky. While it is a competition, and each organization has a performance, they all have unique styles of stepping. Students can see each organizations signature strolls, a form of line dancing. “We play music for the students to dance along to and my hope is that they come, learn a little about why stepping is important to us and have the best time possible,” Watson said. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of desegregation at Murray State. Alumni will arrive into town to celebrate homecoming. “Our alumni are such characters!” Pittman said. “They will be fun to watch.” Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 and Marables said students will not regret coming out. “Students can expect to be entertained, amazed and excited,” she said.
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MEET THE 2015 Kristin Henson is a senior public relations major and a marketing minor from Hickory, Kentucky. Henson is the president of Sigma Sigma Sigma and the president and social media coordinator for Campus Outreach Ministries. Henson is also a campus employee in the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology dean’s office. “My favorite thing about Murray State is the small town and community it is located in,” Henson said. “Murray State offers a quality education while still making students feel special.” Interesting fact: Henson worked at Busch Gardens this summer while attending Tampa Project through Campus Outreach.
Victoria Mohon is a senior agriculture education major from Greenville, Kentucky. Mohon is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, Agriculture Ambassadors, Agriculture Leadership Council, Collegiate FFA and Racer Round-Up. Mohon said her favorite thing about Murray State is “the sense of community and the home away from home I have found.” Interesting fact: Mohon loves community service, especially with therapeutic horseback riding for handicapped individuals.
Kevyn Ann Cunningham is a junior with a double major in agribusiness and accounting from Kevil, Kentucky. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, is the Equestrian Team captain, a member of the Agriculture Leadership Council and a member of the Horseman’s Club. Cunningham said her favorite thing about Murray is the Hutson School of Agriculture. “The Hutson School of Agriculture has provided me with a high quality, hands on experience that I could not have received anywhere else,” Cunningham said. Interesting fact: Cunningham enjoys baking pies from her family’s heirloom recipes.
Katie Granstaff is a senior with a double major in English and Spanish Education from Symsonia, Kentucky. Granstaff is an international representative for Lee Clark College, a member of Baptist Campus Ministry, vice president of National Council of Teachers of English, a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and an officer on Lee Clark’s Residential College Council. Granstaff’s favorite thing about Murray is the residential college system. “I have lived in Lee Clark Residential College since my first semester at Murray State and the atmosphere in this building is definitely one that is unforgettable,” said Granstaff. “I have had many opportunities to move off campus, yet I just cannot bring myself to leave the group of forever friends that I have made through this experience.” Interesting fact: Granstaff is bilingual and has visited several foreign countries including Cuba and South Africa. Granstaff also lived in Chile for four months.
Laken Kanipe is a senior occupational safety and health major from Clay, Kentucky. Kanipe is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and serves as its alumnae relations chair. Kanipe is also recruitment chairwoman of the Executive Panhellenic Council, the membership chair of the Campus Activities Board and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. “Coming from a town a town of less than 1,000 people, I have enjoyed the diverse culture Murray State has exposed me to,” said Kanipe. “This aspect has taught me to value and celebrate everyone’s unique differences.” Interesting fact: Kanipe spent her summer in the heart of Dallas, Texas as a health and safety intern for ISNetworld.
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HOMECOMING COURT Alex Hopewell is a senior occupational safety and health major from Owensboro, Kentucky. Hopewell is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and serves as the vice president of recruitment. Hopewell is also the senior marshal on Standards Board, All Campus Sing Chair, a Mr. MSU contestant, a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Student Ambassadors, Order of Omega Honors Society, Rho Sigma Kappa Honors Society, has served on the Student Government Association Judicial Board for two years and was a First Year Leader in fall 2013. Hopewell said his favorite thing about Murray State is “the greatest tradition in the Ohio Valley Conference – Racer Basketball.” Interesting fact: Hopewell once ran a college basketball recruiting service.
Landon Gibbs is a senior horticulture/agronomy major with a minor in photography from Washington Court House, Ohio. Gibbs is a member of the Horticulture Club, the Honors Program Student Council and the Horticulture Judging Team and the Soil Judging Team. Gibbs also has participated in undergraduate research, the Honors Study Abroad program and is a member of the Tennis Club. “My favorite thing about Murray State is my education, the teachers and involvement with the students,” said Gibbs. “I also enjoy All Campus Sing.” Interesting fact: Gibbs has read the book “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” at least seven times but has never seen the movie.
Nathan Payne is a senior business administration major from Owensboro, Kentucky. Payne is the Campus Activities Board president, Student Government Association Vice President, Alpha Sigma Phi philanthropic chair, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society and a volunteer with the Humane Society. Payne is also Alpha Delta Pi’s Diamond Guy. In the past Payne has been a Student Ambassador, First Year Leader, Racer Band ambassador to residential colleges and a member of the Marketing and Management Club. Payne’s favorite thing about Murray is that it is his home. “I’ve been welcomed here ever since I was a third grader and I took the campus visit with my older brother,” Payne said. “They were just as friendly to me as they were to him. I wasn’t just the little kid that came on the tour, I was the little kid that everyone was nice to and they wanted him to be there. I’ve known I was going to be a Racer since then because I knew no other university could offer that.” Interesting fact: Payne said he has “been referred to as somewhat of a sock
Sawyer Lawson is a senior finance and financial advising major from Murray. Lawson is the president of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the senior delegate on the Interfraternity Council, a member of the Financial Student Advisory Board and was a Murray State basketball student assistant in 2013. “My favorite thing about Murray State is that across the whole university it truly does feel like one big family,” Lawson said. “From the faculty and staff to the students, there is a unique caring for each other that doesn’t happen in many other places!” Interesting fact: Lawson’s favorite movie is “Space Jam.”
Blake Thomas is a senior occupational safety and health major from Mayfield, Kentucky. Thomas is a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, Greek Standards Board chairman, a student ambassador, treasurer of the American Society of Safety Engineers, a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Campus Outreach, the Emerging Scholars Institute and a student worker at the Office of Enrollment Services and Recruitment. Thomas is also active in intramural sports. “My favorite thing about Murray State is the very thing that solidified my decision in coming to Murray State over three years ago – the people,” Thomas said. “Murray State and the Murray-Calloway County community have always harbored an extremely friendly and welcoming atmosphere that has made me feel right at home.” Interesting fact: Thomas has traveled to nine countries.
Court photo courtesy of murraystate.edu
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University Church of Christ 801 N 12th Street 270. 753. 1881 Bible Classes - 9am Sunday Worship - 10 am University Christian Student Center (on MSU campus)
1403 Olive Blvd 270. 759. 9533 Racers For Christ - MSU
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Hall of Champions opens at the CFSB Center Kelsey Randolph
Sports Editor
krandolph3@murraystate.edu
A 3,200 square foot complex full of memories and moments in athletic history is open to the public after nearly a year of work. The Burton Family Hall of Champions officially opened Sept. 26 before the Family Weekend football game. The $100,000 project by the university was set aside three years ago when the Gene W. Ray Center was built in addition to the CFSB Center. Assistant Athletic Director Dave Winder said the idea was taken on by Athletic Director Allen Ward when the Ray Center was built, but the shell to the Hall of Champions was left untouched until a year ago when funds became available to complete the project. Bob Burton, a 1962 gradu-
of the Hall of Fame dating back to 1965. The Hall of Fame has the 2016 inductees, who will be inducted in February. The inductees include: • Former basketball coach Ron Greene, • Former football coach Terry Love, • Former volleyball and track and field coach Kim Koehler, • Former basketball coach Ashley Nichole Hayes and • Former baseball coach Wes Cunningham. In addition to the Hall of Fame wall is the Hall of Distinction, where those who aren’t necessarily athletes or coaches but directly effect the athletic department are recognized. The 2016 inductees are team physician Richard Blalock, university administration Phil Bryan, radio
announcer Chuck Shuffett and athletic administration Claire Benton. “It symbolizes where we’ve been and who we are,” said President Bob Davies in an interview with GoRacers. com. “It symbolizes to our current student athletes what they belong to – something much bigger, something much brighter something much bolder that they individually come into. It’s also a symbol to student athletes that we want to become Racers because again it says what we are, where we are and more importantly where we are going and to me that is one of the most important aspects.” Admission is free to view the Hall of Champions and it is open for three hours prior to home football and basketball games or by appointment by calling the CFSB Center Ticket Office.
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The Hall of Champions opened Sept. 26 before the Family Weekend football game.
ate of Murray State College and an NFL draft of the San Francisco 49ers, donated $250,000 to assist in the completion. Burton was an All-OVC football player in 1960 and received several awards. The Hall of Champions features all sports at Murray State and their shining
moments. It is equipped with four touch-screen monitors that allow viewers to access the history of all sports which include their players, videos, photos and a brief history of the accomplishments and awards of that sport. Included in the Hall of Champions are the members
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RACER VOLLEYBALL: Women’s volleyball takes to Racer Arena during Homecoming weekend. For game times, check out our schedule of events on page 3. For a story on the team’s latest matches, check out this week’s edition of The News.
Thank you again for voting us “Best of Murray” 9 years in a row!
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October 9, 2015
Cherry and Rose: The Golden Class
Alicia Steele Staff writer
asteele5@murraystate.edu
The week of Homecoming, Murray State will welcome back the Golden Class for their 50-year anniversary reunion. Mike Cherry, former Young Democrats’ Club president and former Pi Kappa Alpha president is among those coming home for the events. Cherry also worked full time at WCPO in Benton and WNBS in Murray while also maintaining a full course load. After graduating from Murray State Cherry was immediately drafted to the U.S. Navy for two years but went on to serve for a total of 27 years, during which time he worked his way to captain. Cherry left the Navy in 1993 and returned home to Princeton, Kentucky. While in Princeton Cherry worked as an entrepreneur and then ran for the legislature. Cherry served as a Kentucky State
Members of the 50-year anniversary class make mark in politics Photo courtesy of Kentucky Legislative Kate Research Russel/ Commission The News
Legislator for 14 years between 1998 and 2012 and then voluntarily did not run for re-election, he said. “I’m not going to say I wanted to spend more time with my family, that’s what they all say!” Cherry said. He said he figured 14 years was enough. After his political career ended, Cherry bought an old cinema in Princeton. “The theater in Princeton has a full time actual first run movie house and that’s the only one in the state that has done that,” Cherry said. Cherry sold the theater to a woman hired in 1996, who started work sweeping floors and selling popcorn and worked her way to manager and then partner, and eventually bought out the entire business, he said. Though he sold the business, Cherry still remains involved with the theater doing book work and scheduling. After all these years Cherry still visits Murray often to
spend time with college friends and visit the golf course. “I’ve lived all over the world and I still think of Princeton and Murray as kind of dual homes,” said Cherry. He said the university, which was known as Murray State College then, has drastically changed over the last half-century. “It’s almost unrecognizable,” Cherry said. He said the dorms used to be one story wooden structures, similar to military barracks and the baseball field use to be placed in the center of campus. Cherry and his wife will be spending a few days in Murray for the Homecoming and class reunion festivities. “I’ll be driving back into Murray Wednesday morning and I’ll be spending most of the day Wednesday on the golf course,” Cherry said. “I have been to some Homecomings, but I wouldn’t call myself a regular Homecoming guy.”
Kate Russel/The News
Abby Siegel Staff writer
asiegel@murraystate.edu
Fifty years have passed since Mayor Jack Rose walked across the Lovett Auditorium stage and received his Bachelor of Science diploma. With a degree in mathematics and chemistry, he became an alumnus of the graduating class of 1965, The Golden Class, when the university had about 3,000 students. With roots in Murray from his youth, Rose has dedicated much of his life to his education and improving the education of others, without neglecting the university where his higher education began. He received his master’s in chemistry and physics in 1967 from Murray State and then began his teaching career. Later, he was awarded his doctoral degree from Indiana University. “Dr. Walter Blackburn took an interest in me,” Rose said. “What I remember most about Murray State is the great professors interested in not only subject
matter, but teaching me as a person.” Blackburn started the chemistry program at Murray State and became the dean of science in 1968. Following in Blackburn’s footsteps, Rose became the dean of the College of Education in 1998. Previously he had served as a professor at the university and the superintendent of Calloway County school district for 20 years. “The interest in students is still high. I think it always has been,” Rose said. He dedicated 25 years to Murray State and his contributions have had a lasting effect. He led the faculty movement for the establishment of the faculty senate in the mid 1970s, began a scholarship endowment in 1999 and was in the classroom teaching courses related to leadership and counseling for 11 years. Above all, Rose said he cherishes the relationships he made during the years he spent at the university the most. “As a student, I developed a lot of friendships
with students from other parts of the country and the state – north and the south,” he said. “I was acclimated a bit with several cultures I was not familiar.” Rose perceives that the Golden Class alumni aren’t the only students who have experienced the quality, lifelong relationships he did as a student. “I’m still impressed with the quality of the people at the university and Dr. Davies,” he said. “Most of the time there has been a closed relationship between the city of Murray and Murray State, but the relationship between the two is the closest it has ever been right now.” He said he stresses that learning is the number one objective at Murray State, but students should enjoy being here too that you can have a good time while being serious in the process. “The ‘we care about you’ approach is what makes the difference, the personal touch,” he said. “If somebody needs help, they will find help here.”
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October 9, 2015
Long: Shared pasts and opportunity
Robert Long
Distinguished visiting professor of nonprofit leadership studies As one of Murray State’s oldest junior professors, coming to the role of faculty late in my career, I did not give Homecoming much thought at all. This might be a result of my rural family whose wander-
ing search for work did not include reunions or a sense of hometown. My life’s journey has always been one direction – forward. However, like most people, I remember teachers who were important in my life. My first grade teacher in a one-room country school gave this shy farm boy the courage to ask questions when confused, and in so doing, showed me that I could learn. Then there was the college professor whose impact went far beyond the classroom. There was a statistics professor who volunteered an amazing amount of time to make sure that I could confidently apply the principles throughout my career. All three, in their own ways, are responsible for the person I
am today, committed to learning and in search of evidence. I regret that I did not ever really thank them. Today, I find every chance to celebrate with students an exciting part of the life of a professor. The opportunity to hear about their commitments to making a difference in the world will always attract me. I must admit that I did not notice that the invitation from a colleague was for a Homecoming event. I just saw another opportunity to engage with students and accepted. As I moved through the crowd, I came faceto-face with Amber. It had been seven years since she was a part of my first class at Murray State. It was a wonderful reunion.
The greeting from this alumna was enthusiastic and even a bit emotional. When some current students joined us, Amber seemed genuinely proud to introduce me and brag about her experience in my classroom. As she talked, I found myself easily reflecting back on the class we shared together over seven years ago. It seemed like only yesterday that her positive energy and eagerness to learn, helped this old junior professor begin his journey as a teacher. We often do not know the impact we have on others. Tuning in to the opportunity and responsibility that this includes can both increase the potential impact on students and further enrich our lives.
Homecoming is a wonderful chance to reflect on our shared pasts and give our students the opportunity to say thank you! To which we should all respond, “No, I should be the on thanking you!” There is something very special about this “student-centered” institution and its rich history of giving students a home away from home. As a member of the faculty, I am really lucky to be a part of many students’ lives during this important part of their journeys. Homecomings, official and otherwise, are amazing opportunities to reflect together and say how important we are to each other. Professors need to remember that when they are no longer on the faculty, and that day
will come for all of us, our legacy will not be what we present on our Curriculum Vitaes. Our real legacy is found in the contributions our alumni make to the quality of life for others around the world. Along with many graduates, I have come to understand that this is one of the “finest places we know,” as we often sing about in the Alma Mater. I am touched by this realization and am enjoying a new personal commitment to expressing my appreciation to the many people who have been my teachers over the years, most particularly the students I have had in my classes. This is just one of the lessons I am taking away from the Murray State Homecoming tradition.
Settler: Homecoming to a Homecoming King A stereotypical Homecoming is a time where students come together with alumni and represent their school, watch football, and celebrate. This type of Homecoming that many universities practice, is not what Homecoming means to Murray State. To me, Murray State’s Homecoming is deeper than all of that. Homecoming as a Racer gives not only the students a chance to celebrate the university, but it also gives the alumni the ability to re-live their times as an undergraduate or graduate at the university. It is a time where the saying “once a racer, always a racer” is truly applied. Alumni from all over the world come
back to remember the memories of Murray State and share them with their families. Homecoming is a time for Racer pride. Every Homecoming that I have attended, the alumni never come to Murray for their own personal enjoyment. I’ve had different alumni every year talk to me about my future success. As Racers, we are a family and as a family we benefit together. All the alumni love to give back to current students with advice, jobs and the best times they have had at Murray State. Homecoming at Murray State even goes beyond that. Last year’s Homecoming queen, Rachel Ross, went to every Homecoming
parade as a kid. She told me one of her dreams was to wear the tiara and represent Murray State. Her love for Murray state started before she could even apply to the university. Murray State’s tradition instills the same enthusiasm the students have to people who don’t actually go to the university yet. I wanted to run for Homecoming king because I wanted to represent the place that I call home. I wanted to be able to carry the Murray tradition wherever I go, and be able to talk about Murray with anyone and everyone. When they announced that I won Homecoming king during the 2015 Homecoming football game, I remember feel-
ing extremely honored. To be chosen to be an ambassador for the university in such a big way was a huge responsibility, and I was both thrilled and grateful that the Murray State community entrusted me to be their representative. This past year of representing Murray has been one of the most rewarding times of my life and I can’t imagine a greater university to serve than Murray State. Murray State’s Homecoming tradition affects anyone who is involved with it, not just students and alumni. Many families with prospective students come to visit the campus just to take part in our tradition. The community of the city of Murray also contributes
Kendrick Settler 2014 Murray State Homecoming King to Homecoming. When you go to a Murray State basketball or football game, a large portion of the fans are from the community. They love Murray State just as much as the students and alumni,
and cannot wait to participate and show their devotion. Homecoming at Murray allows the students to meet a lot of the community members, whether it be during the parade where kids line the streets hoping to catch some candy from the different students in the parade, or if it is Tent City, where the community can walk around and talk to different organizations found on campus and grab a bite to eat. Whichever way people choose to participate, we all come together with the same love and passion for Murray State. Murray pride is displayed in many ways, but no matter what that way is, Racer pride never dies down.
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