Recent Program Features

Working as a reporter and editor for The Free Press for more than 20 years and Mankato Magazine for 10, Murray’s passion for storytelling has only gotten stronger since starting his career in journalism at The Reporter in 1992.

However, Murray didn’t always want to be a journalist. He actually wanted to be a pilot. “I went to the University of North Dakota to be a pilot my freshman year because I saw ‘Top Gun’ and thought I could be Tom Cruise,” states Murray. However, he quickly found out he suffers from motion sickness, which promptly ended his dream of flying.

After realizing being a pilot was not in the cards, Murray moved back home to St. Paul, Minnesota for a bit and started taking classes at Century College.  He wrote a short story for their magazine, The MUSE. “That is when I decided I wanted to be a writer,” he said.

During that time, Murray met Amy, who would later become his wife. She was attending Minnesota State Mankato, so he made the decision to transfer from Century to be with her.

“My wife was the one who actually prompted me to get a job working for The Reporter," Murray says. "Within two weeks, I was absolutely hooked. Everything was so new and fresh and exciting. I fell in love with being able to tell other people’s stories and getting the opportunity to meet new people every day.” 

After working as reporter and editor for The Reporter for three years – including two years as editor-in-chief – Murray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Political Science in 1995. However, he didn't go far.

“Not long after I graduated, I still wanted to be a part of The Reporter," he says.  "It was the most fun I’ve ever had as a journalist.” 

Murray remained part of The Reporter as an informal advisor on and off from 2000-2019. He was also on the Newspaper Board most years after graduation.

In 2020, Murray  was given the opportunity to work at The Reporter as a consultant. For the past three years, he has been able to advise students and help them write their own stories.

Every Monday and Wednesday, which are knows as "production nights", Murray is in the newsroom helping students wrap up their next editions.  He's also available for phone calls from student reporters regarding their work. “Sometimes I get calls at 10:30-11:00 at night and I absolutely love answering their questions,” he says.

Since 2020, Murray has been able to implement workshops for student writers at The Reporter regarding interview skills, headline and lead writing and improving their overall reporting and writing skills.

“Next year we have plans to schedule workshops where we bring in other journalists so they can hear from other voices instead of just mine,” Murray adds. “We also have plans to take a really good piece of writing and dissect it so students can learn what works and what doesn’t.”

Murray’s passion for journalism and working with students is evident through his continuous work at The Reporter and throughout his career at The Free Press and Mankato Magazine. He can best be described as the man who never left.

education: 

Psychology & Sociology
Class of 2024

ABOUT ME:

I am an international student from Kathmandu, Nepal. I love reading books and watching a ton of movies. Something interesting about me is that I lived in North Korea for about 4 years when I was younger because of my father’s work with the United Nations. 

why i am passionATE about minnesota state mankato:

This University has been a home away from home to me because of the people that I have met here and the relationships I have maintained. Being an inclusive and diverse institution in terms of students, faculty, clubs and organizations. As a result, I have been involved in many clubs and events throughout my time on campus. It really makes me feel less homesick and much more involved. One thing that will have an everlasting impact on me are the people I have met in the school...people that I will be connected to for my entire life.

impact of donors:

I believe the biggest help that donors can provide for students are scholarships. They truly create an impact and have helped numerous students, including myself.

community involvement:

Honors Community, NestCom, YMCA, Psychology Research Team

make an impact today!

Your investment will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the empowerment of students, and the betterment of the University.

education: 

Computer Science with a Math minor
Class of 2025

ABOUT ME:

I am an international student from Ethiopa.  I love listening to music and have always wanted to be good at drawing.

why i am passionATE about minnesota state mankato:

Minnesota State Mankato is a home for many international students like me. I appreciate the diversity, all the nice professors, and the beautiful campus. It gives me a chance to make countless connections and explore different cultures. 

impact of donors:

Donor's engagement on campus encourages students and provides opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education. Scholarships can attract talented students and create a more diverse and inclusive campus community.

community involvement:

I am the vice president of MAVARTS, an organization on campus that focuses on art and paves the way for students to express themselves. I also volunteer at Northside STEM by mentoring young kids and helping them work on STEM projects. 

make an impact today!

Your investment will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the empowerment of students, and the betterment of the University.

education: 

Computer Information Technology
Class of 2025

ABOUT ME:

I am an international student from Pakistan. Something unique about me is that I was a state champion for Mixed Martial Arts. 

why i am passionATE about minnesota state mankato:

This University has provided many opportunities to advance both my communication and interpersonal skills.  I have had amazing doors open to me that I may have not otherwise had.  I am very active in the Undergraduate Research program and it is fantastic.  I also enjoy the diversity of cultures, programs, and classes at the University.

impact of donors:

Donors have a huge impact on students including, but not limited to, making it financially easier for students to complete their educatoin.

community involvement:

Annual Giving Engagement Center, MavPASS, Undergraduate Research, Mankato Cricket Club

make an impact today!

Your investment will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the empowerment of students, and the betterment of the University.