Be Bold Centennial Campaign reports a record- breaking level of fundraising success

MURRAY, Ky. – With the close of the first year of the public phase of Murray State University’s Be Bold – Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, the University reports a record-breaking level of fundraising success in total gifts and new documented commitments in support of its students and programs. With total gifts and commitments exceeding $16.7 million for the year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, the University is making excellent progress toward its goal of raising $100 million through this historic campaign.

The Be Bold Campaign is now over $62 million in total gifts and commitments. The success of this fundraising effort emphasizes Murray State’s commitment to student support and success, enhancing academic excellence, strategic modernization of its campus facilities and strengthening the long-standing championship tradition of Racer Athletics, which more than doubled fundraising results over the previous year.   

"We are extremely grateful to our thousands of alumni, community partners and friends, as well as our faculty and staff who have made generous contributions during the past year,” said Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson. “Our shared commitment to excellence and transformational impact will enhance Murray State University for years to come. We are tremendously grateful to each and every one of them.” 

Following Murray State’s centennial year, donors are giving campus-wide in support of programs and students at record levels. In early 2022, the Office of Development and the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. set a goal of establishing 100 new funds that would support new student scholarships, academic funds for excellence and increased support for teaching and learning. Murray State exceeded that goal by working with donors to establish 103 new funds by July 2023. Further evidence of increased giving is shown in the number of donors achieving record levels of support, with 25 new members of the Rainey T. Wells Giving Society, which recognizes donors with total support exceeding $250,000 in gifts to the University.

“More than 4,000 donors made a gift to support Murray State University during our last fiscal year. This powerful and bold support not only shows the incredible spirit of giving in our Racer family, but it is indicative of their trust and confidence in us to accept their gifts and use them to transform the lives of our students and enhance our programs,” said Dr. Tina Bernot, executive director of development. 

The Office of Development builds relationships and generates resources that advance the mission of Murray State by seeking to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that engages the entire campus community. The office facilitates private financial support from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations for institutional priorities as outlined through the University’s strategic planning process. 

To make a gift to benefit programs and students at Murray State University, visit murraystate.edu/giving or call the Office of Development at 270-809-3001.