The Murray State University Alumni Association recently honored the recipients of Murray State’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor granted by the MSUAA, which recognizes alumni who have excelled personally and professionally and who have made meaningful contributions at a local, state and national level.

This year’s recipients included: Phyllis Jackson Childs (’98, ’00), a nationally-lauded safety professional, Trisha Clark Cunningham (’86), a leader of one of the country’s largest efforts to feed the hungry, Dr. Brent Mayabb (’95), a globally recognized veterinarian, Dr. James Rudolph (’66, ’69), a Murray State professor emeritus whose work in the equine industry had an impact at home and around the country, and Jimmy Wright (attd.’62-’63), a world-renowned painter and artist.

 In part two of this series, we are bringing the Distinguished Alumni awards program to you, so you can hear the heartfelt stories of our recipients and share a laugh or two. In episode 20, you will hear from Brent, Jim’s wife, Dr. Holly Rudolph (on his behalf), and Jimmy as they weave together the tremendous impact that their shared Murray State experience had on their lives and impressive careers. Each of the recipients comments have been edited somewhat for the sake of time. 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.