Reflecting on the Past – Looking to the Future
As we look to McMurry’s past, the
“Our students work on incredible
who helped shape the institution
sometimes for many years,” Vice
University wants to honor those
into what it is today by creating
the McMurry 100+. “The McMurry
100+ are individuals, families, and organizations whose impact on
McMurry has significantly shaped and transformed this University,”
Centennial Executive Director Nancy
Centennial Celebration
Smith says. “It is appropriate that
McMurry College was founded in
celebrate our humble beginnings
1923. Over the next 99 years, the college would become McMurry
University, a staple of the Abilene community and a destination
for thousands of students from all over the world in pursuit of higher education.
during our Centennial when we and our growth to a thriving
university, we remember those whose influence has literally made this celebration a reality.”
The list will include names like
Dr. J.W. Hunt, founding president, Dr. Virgil Bottom, a renowned physics professor known for his work on
quartz crystals during World War II,
and Dr. Morris Baker, the first African-
projects and research all year,
President for Academic Affairs Dr.
Matthew J. Draud says. “We want to
allow them to present to as many in
their community as possible. Classes will be canceled for the conference
so students, faculty, and anyone else who wants to come can join in on celebrating their achievements.”
Another vital part of McMurry’s history is our relationship with our military community. McMurry is proud to
have partnered with Dyess Air Force Base since 1960 to help active-duty military and veterans continue
their education. We also offer a
special military tuition assistance rate for active-duty members.
McMurry’s partnerships strengthen the institution, and we strive to
honor them during our Centennial
American undergraduate at McMurry, Celebration. who later became a psychology
professor and an administrator with the U.S. Peace Corps. All on the list
will be honored and featured during Centennial Celebration events. McMurry is proud to continue Our Centennial officially begins
fostering a spirit of academic
September 22, 2022. A campus-wide
them forward on whatever career
will start the year-long celebration.
students academic achievements,
student representatives raising the
Academic Conference in Spring 2023.
Entertainment, food, coffee, ice
student presentations and research,
scavenger hunt, games, prizes, and
and more. Faculty and alumni are
faculty, and staff engaged! A drone
All will be welcome for a day of
at the start of our convocation on
success in students’ that will carry
kick-off rally and picnic in the Quad
path they choose. To celebrate our
The celebration will feature
McMurry is amping up the annual
Centennial flag for the first time.
The campuswide event will feature
cream, photo areas with props, a
honor thesis readings, art showings,
more will keep alumni, students,
also able to present their research.
shot of the McMurry community
learning and fellowship.
forming a “100” on the lawn will capture the beginning of the
yearlong celebration. Activities will continue through October 2023,
culminating in a Centennial gala at Homecoming in 2023. 8
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Other Centennial activities include: Homecoming festivities and class
reunions, athletic events celebrating Centennial teams, opening of the
McMurry Centennial Museum in the
Gypsy Ted Gallery II, and the revival of the beloved Iris Garden.
Our biggest project will be the
opening of the reimagined Garrison United Methodist Student Center. Construction began on this
$25 million project, scheduled to be completed in Fall 2023.
