Story by Ava Chuppe
Contributing writer
am.chuppe@gmail.com
Murray State alumni Steve and Elizabeth Pierson are initiating a new scholarship to benefit incoming freshmen from Steve’s native Jackson County, Illinois.
Beginning in fall 2020, the Piersons’ gift to the Murray State University Foundation will allow for freshmen at Murray State from Jackson County, Illinois, especially Murphysboro High School, to apply for the scholarship.
Applicants are required to have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and have engaged in service organizations, high school government organizations and/or athletics and participated as a member or leader of an organization or team. Financial need may also be taken into account.
Steve Pierson said the donation was a way of showing appreciation to Murray State and to Murphysboro High School.
“Murray State is a special place to Elizabeth and me and prepared us extremely well for our respective careers,” he said. “We are excited to help provide opportunities for students from Murphysboro to take advantage of Murray State.”
The Piersons attribute their preparation for their respective careers to their alma mater. Steve worked for over 30 years in senior positions in accounting and finance, as well as the insurance industry in Atlanta, while Elizabeth taught elementary and middle school students with special needs for over 20 years in Cobb County, Georgia.
Two of the Piersons’ children graduated from Murray State in 2012. Their son, Chris, was an active member of Racer Band and Pep Band while earning a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure sciences. Their daughter. Ashley, played tennis and received a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Murray State president Bob Jackson expressed his gratitude for the generous donation from the Pierson family.
“We’re very grateful to Steve and Elizabeth for their long-standing support of Murray State University,” Jackson said. “This generous scholarship will impact many future racers from southern Illinois, specific to Jackson County.”
Tina Bernot, executive director of development at Murray State, emphasized the importance of such generosity.
“Scholarships are needed investments in support of our students and their families,” Bernot said. “Since last fall, donors have given over $4 million in total support for scholarships. That kind of giving impacts a great number of students.”