On Friday, April 21, the Murray State University Alumni Association honored and celebrated Murray State’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni and the 2023 Distinguished Young Alumnus.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor granted by the MSUAA, recognizing alumni who have excelled personally and professionally and who have made meaningful contributions at a local, state and national level. Recipients over the years have included Pulitzer Prize and Emmy-winning journalists, renowned authors, research scientists, executives, educators and military leaders. This year, we add a nationally-lauded safety professional for one of America’s largest auto manufacturers, a leader of one of the country’s largest efforts to feed the hungry, a globally-recognized veterinarian, a Murray State professor emeritus who’s work in the equine industry had an impact here at home and nationwide and a word-renowned painter and artist.
They are Phyllis Jackson Childs (’98, ’00), Trisha Clark Cunningham (’86), Dr. Brent Mayabb (’95), Dr. James Rudolph (’66, ’69) and Jimmy Wright (attd.’62-’63)
The 2023 Distinguished Young Alumnus, as chosen by the MSUAA Young Alumni Network from the 2023 Class of the Top 22 Under 40, is on the front lines in the battle against cancer in AstraZeneca’s oncology division: Dominique Hudspeth (’09)
Not everyone can attend the Distinguished Alumni dinner to hear the wonderful stories of our honorees. So, we are bringing them to you. In part one of this two-part series, you’ll hear from Dom, Phyllis and Trisha. They’ll make you laugh and make you cry all while reminding you of why Murray State is such a special place. As you will hear, it is all about relationships. There is even a surprise announcement in the end! During part two, we’ll share remarks from Brent, Jim’s wife, Dr. Holly Rudolph, (Murray State Accounting Professor Emeritus) speaking on Jim’s behalf, and Jimmy Wright. Some of the content has been edited for length, but all of the heart remains.
You can read each of the recipient’s bios and learn more about the nomination and awarding process at murraystate.edu/distinguishedalumni. You can also nominate an alumnus/alumna for one of our annual alumni awards at murraystate.edu/alumni/awards.aspx.
This podcast was produced with the help of Jim Ray Consulting Services and made possible by members of the Murray State University Alumni Association. Jim is a 1992 Murray State graduate. He can help you with the concept development, implementation, production and distribution of your own podcast, just as he has done for the MSUAA.
Not a current member of the MSUAA? Let's change that! Join today by visiting murraystate.edu/alumni.
The views and opinions expressed during the Racer Alumni Podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Murray State University, its administration or the faculty at large. The episodes are designed to be inspiring and entertaining.
