Dear McMurry Alumni,
“Homecoming is a single word, packed with the weight of countless memories.”
~Maya Angelou
It is with great joy and a full heart that I write to you as the new Director of Alumni Engagement at McMurry. When I received the call to this position, the voice on the other end said, “Welcome home, Laura.” It wasn’t until then that I realized this would indeed, be a full circle moment.
Stepping back on campus after 25 years in various areas of education, brought me to a place of nostalgia. Walking through the quad, entering the doors of Radford, and remembering the halls of Old Main brought back many wonderful memories. Beyond those memories were the caring faculty and staff who played significant roles in my life as a college student and still today. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve McMurry as it was the foundation of my adulthood.
Stepping into this new role the end of August, I reflected on all the traditions and events I experienced as a student. It was important for me to execute plans for a weekend that allowed fellow alumni to reconnect and engage with friends, faculty, and staff. It was also important to honor our current students and the path they are paving for their own homecoming as future alumni. Current students keep our university thriving here in Abilene through daily campus activities, classes, McMurry Student Government, sports, Greek Life, and beyond. As alumni, we are charged to support our university as messengers of McMurry’s mission, goals, and growth. I encourage you to find how you can support McMurry whether it be as a mentor to a student, attending university events in Abilene and beyond, financially, or flying the McMurry flag. There is a place for each of us across distances to plant our feet in the McMurry landscape.
Now that homecoming 2024 is a sweet memory, we look to future events where you can play an integral role. We look forward to Spring Alumni Weekend the last weekend in April where we will host the Night of Gratitude dinner and the Night of Distinction Alumni Achievement Awards. Your involvement in these events is immeasurable, making it a wonderful celebration of McMurry’s growth.
McMurry University is a place for each of us to feel at home. Whether it’s through a reunion, a campus event, or just a casual coffee chat, I want our alumni to know that this is a place where you can always return, where your story matters, and where you’ll always be welcomed with open arms.
Together, we can continue to make the alumni experience one that is meaningful, supportive, and full of opportunity. Let’s remember with joy where our journey began, and continue to tell our McMurry story.
Together, we are McMurry.
Laura Beard King ’99
Director of Alumni Engagement
Ala Cumba!