MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association proudly announces that several donors have pledged $75,000 towards an initial goal of $100,000 toward the establishment of a restricted and permanent scholarship fund. The Board hopes the fund will exceed the initial goal and grow over time. The fund would use earnings from investments on an annual basis to provide scholarships to students who have some connection to the former MacMurray College through alumni, faculty or staff (or child, grandchild, other relative or sponsored by an alum).

In making the announcement Foundation Board Chair David Ekin stated “These gifts and establishment of this restricted fund helps assure that there will be scholarships far into the future. We are also proud that all donations that donors have designated for specific purposes have been honored, as verified by an outside audit.”

Sandy Watson, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, also noted that, recognizing the quality of education MacMurray provided and that many MacMurray graduates and donors benefitted from scholarships, there are academic qualifications and references required of all applicants.

Since the Foundation’s inception, shortly after the college closed in 2020, and since MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association starting awarding scholarships in 2021, it has awarded 140 scholarships worth $190,000. Scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $5,000. Almost 40 scholarships have been awarded to students from Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

Anyone wishing to support the permanent scholarship fund may go to www.MacAlumFoundation.org and use the Donate Now button or send a check to MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association, PO Box 47, Jacksonville, IL 62651 and indicate that it is for the Endowed Scholarship Fund. Anyone wishing to donate stock or make other arrangements to support the fund should send an e-mail to [email protected] or contact David Ekin at 314-229-1773

Founded in 1846, MacMurray College closed in 2020 after 174 years as an institution of higher education. MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association was formed soon thereafter to preserve, maintain and continue the legacy of the former college.