Every weekend this summer, The News will update you on the latest in Murray. Whether you’re in town or at home for the summer, you’ll find what you need at TheNews.org. This update is for July 11. Email us with any questions, concerns or tips.
Parker’s Chainless Challenge team sweeps awards in California
By Rebecca Walter, News Editor
Along with receiving awards in almost every category, Murray State’s Parker Chainless Challenge crew took home the “Best Overall” award at a recent competition in Irvine, Cali.
The team took home first place in the “Manufacturability and Workmanship” category, “Best Spirit” and “Best Overall”, scoring a total of 1,115 points.
They took second place in the “Innovation”, “Reliability and Safety” and “Best Design” categories and grabbed the third place prize in the “Cost Analysis” division.
The main objective of the Parker’s Chainless Challenge competition is to design a bike with a hydraulic drive system, which can compete in various different events. These events include completing four laps around a two-mile course in less than 90 minutes, completing a 200-meter sprint race and an efficiency challenge.
The team members included Mike Kozlowski, senior from Crown Point, Ind., Mohanad “Moe” Maghrabi, junior from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bryan McCoil, senior from Kings Park, N.Y., Dustin Patton, senior from Murray and Colby White, senior from Russell Springs, Ky. James Benson and Sanjeevi Chitikeshi, both professors in the college of science, engineering and technology, served as advisers for the team.
The Parker’s Chainless Challenge is sponsored by Parker-Hannifin Corporation, a global leader in technology and control technologies, according to the company’s website. The company hosts the event annually as a way for college engineering programs to compete.
Murray State’s team has competed in the chainless challenge in the past and members are chosen through the electro-mechanical engineering technology program.
President Miller says his goodbyes to the University
By Mary Bradley, Assistant News Editor
As the last days of Tim Miller’s presidency at Murray State count down, Miller has begun saying his final goodbyes to the University.
In an email sent to the University community on Wednesday, Miller thanked everyone involved in Murray State for their support and said he believed the University will do well in also supporting Bob Davies and his family.
While Miller begun his goodbye on a lighter note, he mentioned the University still has its issues to resolve in the future.
Among these issues include “adequate and fair compensation for all employees; an improved climate for all employees in terms of mutual respect, diversity and the work environment; enrollment growth, improved state funding and improved financial condition; providing for continual improvement in the educational process; and leading the way in economic development in our region to provide placement opportunities for our citizens as well as our graduates.”
Miller’s last official day is July 13, in which incoming president Bob Davies will take the reins as Murray State’s 13th president. Davies, who is coming to the University from Aberdeen, S.D., officially moved into the home of the president, Oakhurst, on Wednesday.
Community celebrates 4th of July with Freedom Festival
The city of Murray celebrated all things red, white and blue last weekend with the annual Freedom Festival.
The event was held on July 4th and 5th and attracted people from across the state. Check out the Freedom Fest Twitter account for photos and details about the event.