Meet Our Donors - Archive |
|
April 24, 2006 Murray State University Honors William "Bill" Cherry On Friday, April 21, Murray State University honored one of the most recognized names in agricultural circles throughout the region. From that day forward, a familiar university icon bears a new name as the MSU board of regents and interim president, Dr. Kern Alexander, officially designated the West Kentucky Livestock and Exposition Center as the Wm. “Bill” Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center. The dedication ceremony began at 3 p.m. at the Expo Center located on College Farm Road. Area community members were invited to join in the celebration. Described by those who know him as a starter, finisher, teacher, servant and friend, Bill Cherry’s goal in life has always been to serve people of all levels. Beginning his pursuit of higher education in 1946 at Murray State University, Cherry completed his degrees at the University of Kentucky and then built a career that spanned four decades of serving students, teachers and the communities in which he lived. After teaching for seven years as a high school vocational agriculture teacher in Christian County, Ky., he served the next eight years as state supervisor of agricultural education. Cherry returned to his roots at Murray State University in 1965 to begin another phase of his career. During the next 19 years he served the university as teacher, administrator and director of the department of agriculture. During his tenure he started an agriculture mechanics program, as well as the agricultural education program, serving as the initial instructor in both areas. Credited for getting the MSU rodeo program started, Cherry also served as advisor to the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. His leadership in promoting and securing state funding for the construction of the West Kentucky Livestock and Exposition Center that was completed in 1976 is noted as one of Cherry’s greatest career accomplishments. He was named the first director of the facility and fulfilled that position until his retirement in 1984. His dedication to education continued even after retirement as he continued to be an adjunct teacher and university supporter. Annual awards are also made to students through the Bill and Gean Cherry Scholarship, established by the couple in 1985 to recognize and assist students pursuing a career in agriculture education or agricultural mechanization. The university honored Cherry in 1994 with its prestigious Golden Horseshoe Award. Cherry’s dedication to serving others stretches far beyond the MSU campus as he was twice elected and completed two terms as mayor of the city of Murray. Dr. Tony Brannon, dean of the school of agriculture, invited the community to attend the dedication, witness the sign unveiling and celebrate with the Cherry family. Dr. Jim Rudolph, operations and development coordinator for the school of agriculture also presented a historical review of the facility. The office of development and school of agriculture hosted a reception immediately following the ceremony.
|
