Samantha Villanueva
Staff writer
Murray State received two donations from past University graduates, which are aimed to raise students’ education levels.
Both donations are aimed at helping students have a better success rate in their education and assist in providing more scholarships opportunities to students.
The two donors – Jesse D. Jones and the late Nell Hall Vickrey, are both University alumni and have made donations in the past. Due to the Hold Thy Banner High campaign, however, they are just a few of the University’s alumni who are helping foster it.
The Hold Thy Banner campaign is an initiative to help comemorate the gifts raised by charitable organizations.
Jones has most recently donated $1 million to the University, while Vickrey donated $500,000.
Bob Jackson, associate vice president and campaign director, said Jones and Vickrey are only two of the many Murray State alumni giving back in order to maintain the University image.
“We are deeply appreciative of the tremendous support that nearly 21,000 donors have provided during this campaign,” Jackson said. “These donors have made nearly 81,000 gifts totaling over $61.4 million to date during Hold Thy Banner High: The Campaign for the Students of Murray State University.”
Vickrey graduated from Murray State in 1933.
Since then, she moved to Marietta, Ky., where she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
Vickrey also taught in the Marietta City School system, according to her obituary in the Marietta Daily Online Journal.
Jackson said Vickrey always considered the University a special place and made retention a number one priority of theirs.
“She passed away in 2010 at the age of 98,” he said. “She remembered Murray State in her estate plans and this wonderful gift will provide a scholarship endowment for students studying in the college of science, engineering and technology.”
Vickrey’s contributions will be engaged to help purchase new research and laboratory equipment.
Stephan Cobb, dean of the college of science, engineering and technology, said this contribution shows just how much Vickrey cared about the educational aspect of Murray State students.
“”We are very grateful to the Vickrey family for this wonderful bequest to our college,” Cobb said. “It demonstrates the Vickrey’s high esteem for MSU and communicates their strong support for education in math and science.”
Cobb also said the proceeds from the Vickrey donation will go to help make sure the science department maintains an active role in making a successful students’ education.
“This generous gift will provide scholarship funds for generations of students, and will have a significant impact in helping them achieve their academic and career goals,” he said.
Jones, University graduate of 1964, made his second contribution to the school in the past few months.
Having recently been a part of the opening of the Science Complex, Racer Writing Center and Racer Oral Communication Center, Jones now takes an active part in reconstructing the Regional Business Innovation Center, where past donors will be honored.
Jackson said Jones’ plan for the renovations consists of a specified area, preferably the first floor, which will be named the Hall of Benefactors and Distinguished Alumni.
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