Hello Racer Families! Welcome to Parents and Family Connection: Racer News , the electronic newsletter connecting Racer parents and families to Murray State. Great articles abound in this issue. They include:

Family Weekend Wrap-Up Changing the Conversation about Mental Health Fall Career Fairs Save the Date: Homecoming 2019 Student Spotlight And much more. Please, read further!

Family Weekend 2019.... A great weekend!

Murray State University welcomed students and their families to campus Sept. 20-22 for Family Weekend 2019, an annual tradition that encourages students to share their college experience with their loved ones.

Over 567 families and 2000 individuals enjoyed the weekend. Saturday was a particularly exciting day with great weather, good food at lunch and tailgates, a win on the football field, Racer One rounding the track, and the recognition of our outstanding parent/family members from each Residential College.

THANK YOU to our 2019 sponsors Primary Care Medical Center and Murray State Town & Gown. THANK YOU to all who made this weekend possible -- Kate Johnson, Karon Johnson, Jennifer Smith, Icces Crocker, Abby Hensley, Dr. Don Robertson, Dr. Bob Jackson, Racer Dining by Sodexo, Facilities Management, Athletics, Parent/Family Council Members, and many, many more.

Eddie Floyd named Outstanding Parent/Family Member

The Family Weekend 2019 Outstanding Parent/Family Member is Eddie Floyd from Calhoun, KY. He was nominated by his granddaughter, Corissa Floyd from Clark Residential College. Corrisa said this about her Grandfather, "I owe all I am to this 76-year-old man because he made me who I am and continues to shape me every day. Eddie Floyd exemplifies what it means to love unconditionally. He continues to show his love for me through his thoughts, prayers, messages and phone calls even though he is nearly two hours from me. Due to my grandfather, I am the educated, faithful, and motivated young lady I am today.” Pictured above L-R: Corissa Floyd; Eddie Floyd; Dr. Chris Trzepacz, Clark Residential College Head; Dr. Don Robertson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Nominees:

Thomas and Michele Grieve from Edwardsville, IL, nominated by LilyAnne Grieve from Springer-Franklin Residential College. Paul and Jane Pohlman from Perryville, MO, nominated by Phoebe Pohlman from Regents Residential College. John and Becky Phipps from Henderson, KY nominated by Carter Phipps from Elizabeth Residential College, Amy Michelle Mott from Murray, KY, nominated by Miricle Nichole-Paige Clark, from Richmond Residential College. Russell and Staci Ellegood from Fancy Farm, KY nominated by Brooke Ellegood from Hart Residential College. Jerry and Joyce Bandura from Fishers, IN nominated by Jacob Bandura from Hester Residential College. Steven Stapelton from Mayfield, KY nominated by Cecelia Stapleton from White Residential College.

Thank you to all the parents and family supporters that help their students become the best Racers they can be!

SAVE THE DATE! Family Weekend 2020: September 11- 13

Murray State University welcomes Active Minds Founder and Executive Director Alison Malmon for mental health keynote

Murray State University hosted Active Minds Founder and Executive Director Alison Malmon for a mental health keynote at Family Weekend Sept. 21 in the Curris Center Theatre.

Active Minds is the nation's leading nonprofit organization that supports student and young adult mental health. “I commend Murray State for sparking conversation about mental health and for their work to support students,” Malmon said.

Malmon started the organization in 2003, just two years after her brother, Brian, ended his life after a battle with Active Minds Founder Alison Malmon schizoaffective disorder. Both were in college at the time. Brian concealed his symptoms from his friends and family for years; Malmon said she launched Active Minds to destigmatize the discussion around mental health and encourage those in pain to seek help.

“It’s really hard for students to understand that stress impedes daily life,” Malmon said. “Even if it feels like typical college stress, you deserve support. Mental illness can be a scary thing because we don’t talk about it.” She encouraged all those in attendance to be more open with their thoughts and emotions, both for their own mental wellness and to better understand those closest to them. “Families play a large role in healthy discussions,” Malmon said. “Just talking to the person you’re closest with and telling them what you’re struggling with makes a big difference.”

Peggy Whaley, director of student engagement and success, thanked Malmon for her valuable insight. “Alison Malmon's keynote address resonated with so many in attendance,” Whaley said. “We know mental health is critically important to the overall health and success of our students. It's imperative that the Racer Family start and change the conversations about mental health and wellness. The keynote address was one way to start and continue these important conversations."

Active Minds Website

Article by Parker Franklin, Communications Specialist, Murray State University

Get Connected with Handshake

Has your student activated their Handshake account yet? Last year over 4000 employers chose to recruit at Murray State via this system! Plus, students can find out about upcoming career events, market themselves to employers, and even schedule career service appointments, right on Handshake!

Students should visit https://murraystate.joinhandshake.com and sign in with their MyGate credentials today!

Fall Career Fairs

Career Services hosts four main career fairs in the fall semester. Please note: Students must be in business professional attire for entry into these events.

ALL MAJORS / ALL SKILLS CAREER FAIR Come one, come all! This is a great event to look for internships, graduate schools, full-time opportunities, and more! Tuesday, Oct 15 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Curris Center 3rd Floor

STEM & OSH CAREER FAIR This is a great event for anybody interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or the Occupational Safety Health fields! Wednesday, Oct 16 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Curris Center 3rd Floor

AGRICULTURE CAREER FAIR This event is specifically designed for students seeking agricultural-related opportunities Tuesday, Oct 22 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Curris Center 3rd Floor

TEACHER FAIR This event is specifically designed for students interested in the world of education. Friday, Nov 15 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Curris Center 3rd Floor

Please utilize additional resources via Career Services, and meet with a Career Service staff member via walk-in hours (Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm), or make an appointment via Handshake.

Calendar Important Academic Dates. Click this button for details.

Student Spotlight: Lu Colby

Lu Colby is a senior at Murray State University. She will be receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and Sculpture. Lu decided to pursue art because of how happy it makes her. She says, “Everyone told me to do what makes me happy, so I did. I fully dedicated myself, and I have not looked back since.” Lu was awarded “Best in Show” at the Organization of Murray Art Students in 2018. She attended the Southern Graphics Council International Conference in Dallas, Texas and received an award for “best student print in the members print exchange.” Lu shares, “My print was selected out of 166 entries, so I was extremely excited about that.” After graduation, Lu will pursue a Masters of Fine Arts and collegiate teaching career.

News and Notes from Murray State Athletics

Homecoming is just around the corner. Activities from the MSU Athletics department for the weekend of Oct. 18-19, include a Friday night baseball game at Johnny . The Racers will host Columbia State in an exhibition game starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Racer football alumni are invited to a Friday gathering to celebrate the program and to honor the 1979 OVC championship team and all of the teams of a year that ended with a nine. Registration for the reunion closes on Oct. 4 and you must be registered to attend. For more information about the reunion and plans, call Brock Rydecki at (270) 809-3369. Saturday morning at 8 a.m. finds the MSU athletics homecoming breakfast for all former student-athletes , Racer fans, and staff at the Murray Room at the CFSB Center. Breakfast is $15 per person in advance and tickets must be purchased by Oct. 15. Call the CFSB Center (270-809-3000) to purchase tickets. The Murray State Homecoming Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. from the Court Square on Main Street in downtown Murray and ends at the President’s home, Oakhurst. Racer baseball alumni gather at Johnny Reagan Field at 10:15 a.m. Saturday where the old-timers can take a few swings. Lunch will also be served afterward. For more information, call Dave Winder at 270-293-0566. Central to MSU Homecoming is the football game . This year, the kickoff is an hour earlier than in past years. The Racers host the Eastern Colonels at 2 p.m. at . Basketball season is just around the corner and Racer Mania is set for Oct. 24 at the CFSB Center. It’s the annual event where fans get their first look at the Murray State men’s and women’s basketball teams. Plan to enjoy big-time with the MSU spirit groups, Racer Band and get autographs from the MSU players and coaches. Admission is free. Coming soon, a new basketball floor will be installed in the CFSB Center. This means fans will be able to buy a commemorative piece of the old floor. Check GoRacers.com for information.

Racer Nation is ready for some football! Are you ready to kick-off the season with great food, Racer fans and tons of fun?! Be there as we tailgate Racer Football both home and away this season, with catered meals, a cash bar, games and loads of Murray State swag! Find full details and more tailgate dates at murraystate.edu/racertailgating !

Saturday, Oct. 5, Racers vs. Eastern Illinois Murray Ledger & Times, Murray State Town & Gown, MSUAA Tailgate 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (CDT) Sponsored by Murray Ledger & Times $5 per person

Enjoy the best the season has to offer with fried catfish and all the fixin's during the Murray Ledger & Times, Murray State Town & Gown/MSUAA tailgate. Visit with Murray State’s Town & Gown Community Partners, staff from the Ledger & Times and Racer alumni and fans! We will gather under the shade of a large tent behind the right field fence of Reagan Field and enjoy all the traditions or Racer tailgating. $5 per person (Murray Ledger & Times staff and guests are free of charge). Please register by Tuesday, October 1, to ensure we have plenty of food at murraystate.edu/racertailgating. Go Racers!

Saturday, Nov. 2, Racers vs. Tennessee Tech 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (CDT) Alumni Center Jim Carter Plaza $5 per person

Saturday, Nov. 16, Racers vs. Austin Peay 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (CDT) Alumni Center Jim Carter Plaza $5 per person

New Minor in Globalization and Development

Students can now choose a new minor, Globalization and Development, offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES). Regardless of their Major, students will gain knowledge and skills in understanding places and cultures, cultural diversity, and the interrelationship of natural and cultural landscapes by choosing this Minor. Global development is dynamic and evolving, in sometimes unpredictable ways and requires critical approaches that rely on social and environmental responsibility. The Minor complements many Majors and give students an interdisciplinary advantage in workplace contexts valuing knowledge of global economic trends, cultural and natural landscape diversity, resource management, and the ways they intersect in development strategies. Access the curriculum on the EES website .

Helping Students and Families

The administrators and staff in the Division of Student Affairs and Student Engagement and Success are committed to helping your student succeed! Please feel free to contact us with questions or if you need further information.

Office Location: 425 Wells Hall, Murray Campus Email: [email protected] Website: www.murraystate.edu/success

Dr. Don Robertson, Vice President for Student Affairs Email: [email protected] Phone: 270.809.6831

Peggy Whaley, Director, Student Engagement and Success Email: [email protected] Phone: 270.809.2274

Kate Johnson, Coordinator, Student Engagement and Success Email: [email protected] Phone: 270.809.5344

Jennifer Smith, Coordinator, Student Engagement and Success Email: [email protected] Phone: 270.809.2684

Parent Referral Do you have a concern about your student? Do you wish he/she had just a little help in a certain area? Do you want to help, but don’t know the best way to help or where to start? Contact us through the Parent Referral form linked below and we will help.

The staff in the Office of Student Engagement and Success meets with students about topics such as homesickness, time management, study habits, financial obligations, etc. Let us know your concerns, and we will take action.

Parent Referral

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller

Wishing you and your student a great semester!

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Division of Student Affairs at Murray State University | 425 Wells Hall Murray, KY | 42071 US

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