James Turner
Staff writer
jturner34@murraystate.edu
The Murray Chamber of Commerce new initiative, Racer Proud is the latest in an attempt to boost enrollment and bolster support for the University around town.
Murray Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Bundren said Murray State’s Interim President Bob Jackson coined the phrase “racerize Murray” as a guest speaker at a recent dinner. She said the initiative is for Murray businesses to show how proud and supportive they are of Murray State.
The initiative involves local businesses showing their support for the University, particularly when visitors come to Murray, to potentially bolster enrollment. The initiative comes just ahead of Murray State’s Family Weekend, scheduled for Sept. 28-30, when thousands are expected to descend upon the town.
“Chamber’s role is to help them [businesses] communicate their message to the town,” Bundren said. “We are happy to support in their efforts.”
Matthew Meyer, sophomore from Middletown, Kentucky, also said the people in town have been really nice and supported the idea of taking that a step further.
“I think it’s a good idea as long as it’s not too corny,” Meyer said. “Don’t oversaturate.”
Meyer said other schools bring local businesses onto campus and provide more food options to students. He also said if Murray State helps local businesses they will be more inclined to help Murray State as well.
“It’s a good fixture for the town,” Meyer said.
Garret Tur, senior from Louisville, Kentucky, said he wasn’t too surprised by the initiative since businesses in Murray rely on the University to bring more people in.
“Usually it’s been lower-key,” he said. “I noticed a difference in people in town.”
Director of Communication, Shawn Touney said this support is invaluable and a part of the university.
“That support, whether through wearing gold on Racer Proud Fridays, displaying a Racer Proud poster inside their office or storefront, or simply by offering a friendly hello to visitors of the University, creates a feeling of warmth, welcome, community and support that has been an integral part of the University’s history for many years,” Touney said.