The schedule is subject to change. Check for updates.
Friday, September 29, 2023
(Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery - Mary Ed Mecoy Hall - 6th floor of Fine Arts Building)
The mission of the Murray State University Galleries, in all of its activities, is
to serve the students and scholars of the Murray State University community by originating
and hosting diverse, dynamic exhibitions. Gallery events and exhibitions are free
and open to the public.Learn more about University galleries.
(Waterfield Library Breezeway)
Get ready for the Journey! Students or families can pick up their family’s passport
for the Racer Journey on Saturday and their bag to fill with Racer swag. Bags and
passports are first available for guests who registered for lunch. The Journey is
open to all.
(Racer Arena)
Support the Lady Racers and watch an exciting game at Racer Arena.
(Lovett Auditorium)
A longstanding favorite event on campus, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority will host the Mr.
MSU Pageant, where Murray State men perform their talents to compete for the crown.
Guests may buy tickets at the door for $10 and proceeds will benefit the Arthritis
Foundation for arthritis research.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
(Wellness Center)
Start your Saturday off right by participating in our Racer 5k! Check-in begins at
7:15 am; Race starts at 8:00 am. Register online prior to the event at www.Racer5k.com.
Registration also accepted in person the morning of the event.
Get ready for the Journey! Students or families can pick up their family’s passport
for the Racer Journey later today and their bag to fill with Racer swag. Bags and
passports are first available for guests who registered for lunch.
(Various stops around campus)
Murray Calloway County Transit shuttles will be making a loop between the Wellness
Center, Residential College area, lunch (Biology Building), Quad and the Curris Center
for families on Saturday, September 30 between 10 am and 2 pm. Look for the large
white transit shuttles. The main pick up and drop off spot will be the Curris Center
but they will make other stops along the route. View route map
(All around campus)
Snap a photo of you and your family around campus based on the clues found in your
Racer Journey Passport and enter the photo contest by submitting your pictures on
Instagram or Facebook with #yourracerjourney Prize winners (students) will be determined following Family
Weekend and winners must stop by 425 Wells Hall to pick-up their prize. Grand Prize
is an MSU Bucket of Swag: Blanket, foam finger, long sleeve shirt, mug, warm cap.
Prizes also given to 2nd through 10th place winners.
(Wellness Center)
Families and guests are welcome to tour or exercise at Murray State’s 73,000 square
foot recreation facility free of charge.
(Residential College Lobbies)
Visit the place where your student lives and/or participates in educational activities
and intramural sports while at Murray State and enjoy light breakfast items in the
lobbies of the Residential Colleges. The Outstanding Parent/Family Member for each
Residential College will also be recognized at each reception. The receptions are
complimentary.
(CFSB Center, Front Entrance)
Walk through the Hall of Champions with your family and learn more about Murray State’s
athletic history. Located at the front of the CFSB Center, the Hall of Champions highlights
the greatest individuals and championship teams in Racer history. Admission is complimentary.
(Lunch: Clock Tower Breezeway of the Biology Building
Enjoy lunch while visiting with family and participating in the Racer Journey. In
the case of inclement weather, the Family Lunch will be relocated to Winslow Dining
Hall.
With passport and lunch in hand, explore where your Racer learns and thrives in our
academic buildings and student support offices. You will get a passport stamp at each
location, engage in an activity or talk with staff and fill your Family Weekend tote
bag as you travel on the Journey. Stop in the Quad for a game or two or for an ice
cream treat.
Racer Journey Passport Stops: Academic Buildings, Quad, Waterfield Library Participating
units will have activities and information for guests.
Support the Lady Racers and watch an exciting game at Racer Arena.
(Lovett Auditorium)
Fall Fanfare, a scholarship fundraising concert performed in the manner of a variety
show, is a family-friendly musicale for music lovers of all ages. Featuring performances
by various student ensembles at Murray State University such as various choirs, percussion
ensemble, flute quartet, wind ensemble, jazz combos and more, the show concludes with
a special appearance by the Racer Band. You don’t want to miss it! Tickets on sale
through the Family Weekend registration system or at the door.
(Starts at Entry B of the CFSB Center)
Cheer on our Racer football team as they prepare to play Indiana State. Greet the
team as they walk out of the CFSB Center and cheer for their success as they walk
around Stewart Stadium to the South Gate. (Starts at Entry B of CFSB and goes around
Stewart Stadium to end at the south entrance to the Stadium)
(Stewart Stadium)
Cheer on the Racer Football Team with your family as they face Indiana State! And,
Clear the track! Racer 1 has been helping fans celebrate touchdowns with a victory
lap around the field. Celebrate with us as we recognize the Outstanding Family Members
and their student during halftime.
(208 Faculty Hall)
Enjoy an international film experience with family. Movie: Goliath (France, 2022).
This law-related, well-crafted, “must-see” thriller focuses on the question of “people’s
health vs. chemical pollution and corporate lobbying.” It spurs reflection on the
world of greed that affects us and the Faustian deal sealed between some scientists
and corporations to manipulate the masses with disinformation. Screened at the European
Parliament in Brussels as a call for action, the film nourishes the belief that little
David can defeat the giant Goliath…. Viewing is complimentary.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
(Pat Spurgin Rifle Range)
Support the Rifle Team as they compete against a long-time rival.
Come take a stroll, go for a run, play on the playground or walk your dog through
these student-maintained gardens.
Downtown Farmer’s Market (Saturday Only)
Saturday, 7 a.m. to Noon | Court Square, Downtown Murray
Shop fresh, local produce, snack on scrumptious baked goods, pick-up arts and crafts
made with care by local artisans, socialize and spend quality time with family while
learning about Murray’s friendly, inviting atmosphere. Meet the vendors and find out more information.
Central Park
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Gil Hopson Drive, Murray, KY
Enjoy a day at Central Park! It is home to a dog park, skate park, community theatre,
amphitheater, playgrounds, walking trails, picnic pavilions, baseball and softball
diamonds and more.
Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area
Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 3146 Silver Trail Road, Cadiz, KY
An environmental educational attraction, the Nature Station serves as a gateway to
the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. You can also set out on scenic hiking trails, sunset
canoe trips, kayak tours and photo tours while you’re there.
Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY
When you visit the Golden Pond Planetarium, you will enjoy a variety of entertaining
and educational programs presented with a projection system which displays images
on a 40-foot theater dome.
Elk and Bison Prairie
Dawn – Dusk | Elk & Bison Prairie Road, Golden Pond, KY
Elk and bison, along with numerous other types of wildlife, roam free within this
700-acre enclosure. Travel the 3.5-mile loop in your vehicle while appreciating the
prairie in fall.
Miller Memorial Golf Course
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 2814 Pottertown Road, Murray, KY
Named as one of the best golf courses in America, Miller Memorial Golf Course is a
great place to spend an afternoon in Murray.
Kayak and Canoe Rentals at the Wellness Center
Noon to 9 p.m. | Wellness Center at Murray State
Rent kayaks or canoes from the Wellness Center on campus, and enjoy a day exploring
Kentucky Lake!
Playhouse in the Park is one of the oldest continuously producing theatres in the
country. For more information about how you can help in continuing the tradition of
community theatre in Murray and Calloway County, contact Playhouse in the Park at
playhousemurrayky@gmail.com.
Racer Journey Passport Stops
Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
The Murray State News will open up their newsroom in Wilson Hall Room 111 for families
to visit and see their full operation.
The United Systems Suite for Computer Science and Information Systems students will
host an open house for families to see one of our new technology/workspace areas in
Business Building South Room 253.
Visitors will be greeted in the College of Business main lobby (16th Street Main entrance)
and will get the opportunity to see our newer finance classroom in 104 Business Building.
College of Education and Human Services
Department of Adolescent, Career and Special Education
Snap a family photo at the booth and add a family goal to the bulletin board with
Dr. Chadwick and SOFCS members. There will also be an FCS/CTE showcase. Alexander
Hall Room 322
Enjoy Frisbee or yarn ball toss highlighting the importance and benefits of regular
physical activity on the lawn south of Alexander Hall
Participate in mindful quarter pass game highlighting brain research and the benefits
of movement on learning/focus in Alexander Hall
Create with mindful coloring highlighting the importance and benefits of regular mindfulness
and self-care in Alexander Hall
Department of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education
Join faculty and staff and participate in inspirational Rock Star painting, hands-on
science Sphero/Lego robots, and a team building fun balloon activity in Alexander
Hall.
Kentucky Academy of Technology Education (KATE)
Participate in a Virtually Reality Demo with KATE staff. Alexander Hall Room 2214
College of Humanities and Fine Arts
Department of Art and Design
Galleries open to explore current exhibitions on 6th & 7th floor in Fine Arts:
Ramona Sonia: Tulle, Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
Magic Silver Show: Clara M. Eagle Main Gallery
Greely Myatt: Tool, Clara M. Eagle Upper Gallery
Enjoy hands-on experiences with different artistic processes:
Bookbinding Workshop in Fine Arts Room 611
Green Screen Photoshoot in Old Fine Arts Room 1011
Wacom Tablet Workshop in Old Fine Arts Room 1012
Department of English and Philosophy
Shakespeare Activities with Dr. William (Rusty) Jones, department chair. Explore the
text work Dr. Jones completes with facsimiles of 16th century books while viewing
a slideshow of study abroad trips to Shakespeare's birthplace. Location: Faculty Hall
105
Department of Global Languages and Theatre
Participate in Alpha Mu Gamma Community Connections presentation and activity in Faculty
Hall
Department of History
Interact with Ancient Greek and Roman Artifacts (jewelry, weapons, coins, etc.) in
the Lobby of Waterfield Library
Department of Music
Enjoy the Fall Fanfare Concert in Lovett at 2:00 pm (Purchase tickets at the door
or online prior to the event.)
Department of Political Science and Sociology
“Social Scientists in the Making” Political Science and Sociology will be hosting
a research poster session. Each poster will feature research by our students for
families to look, learn and talk about. This gives us a chance to feature the skills
our students learn, get parents interested in a topic within our field, and let parents
see where students take classes. Faculty Hall Rooms 500 and 509
Department of Psychology
Plasticity at Play with the Psychology Department: Come play cornhole! The kicker?
Try wearing our special goggles! You'll get to experience plasticity - your brain's
ability to adjust your behavior based on feedback it receives from the world. This
is a great demonstration of how our minds influence how we interact with the world!
Location: Quad near Wells Hall
Hutson School of Agriculture
Murray State UAS / HSOA Drone demonstrations and Information session on the east side
of Oakley Applied Science Building
Meet Racer 1 and jockey and snap a selfie! Since 1976, every home-game touchdown has
been marked by a thoroughbred, nicknamed Racer One, running a celebratory lap on the
running track around the football field. Location: Lawn between the Science Complex
of buildings and Alexander Hall.
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Simulation lab demonstrating basic anatomical and physiological concepts of the human
body. The lab is funded by a USDA grant to increase knowledge for students entering
health professions. Location: 311 Mason Hall
Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Participants will be able to view students' research posters on display in the hallways,
an exhibition of human and nature relations by an upper level class, check out our
state-of-the-art computer classroom and lecture hall, look and touch rocks, minerals,
and fossils. They can also help themselves to a small fossil and/or mineral sample.
Location: Start in Blackburn 332, and we will move around on the 3rd floor.
University Libraries
The University Libraries invite families and students to visit the Makerspace on the
lower level of Waterfield Library. Students and their families will learn about the
equipment and services offered in the Makerspace, including 3D printers, a recording
space, advanced software and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to customize
and make a button using Makerspace equipment.
Wrather Museum welcomes students and families to tour the History of Murray State
exhibit and the newly opened Arts & Entertainment exhibit.
Alumni Association: The Murray State University Alumni Association connects, celebrates, and engages
alumni and friends of Murray State through communication, activities and events to
foster lifelong relationships that support the mission of the university. Visit with
alumni staff and grab some swag on the Quad.
Career Services: Career Services assists Racers in all areas of career development and planning.
Visit with staff in 100 Oakley Applied Sciences.
Counseling Services: Professionals in the Counseling Center are available to provide a variety of counseling
services for Murray State students, including face-to-face sessions, virtual sessions,
ongoing counseling, and crisis sessions. Visit with staff on the Quad
Greek Life: Greek organizations offer you opportunities to take leadership roles, give back
to the community, and create friendships that will last long after your time at Murray
State. Visit with staff in 202 Curris Center
Office of Multicultural Initiatives: The mission of the Office of Multicultural Initiatives, Student Leadership and Inclusive
Excellence (OMI) is to advocate and encourage a campus environment that embraces diversity
and helps students grow personally and academically. Visit with staff in 101 Curris
Center
Racer One Stop: Connect with Student Financial Services and the Office of the Registrar to answer
questions about bills, scholarships, financial aid, declaring/changing majors/minors,
degree progress, transfer credit, academic deadlines, myGate, and more. Waterfield
Library Gallery, 1st Floor
Student Support Services: Student Support Services (SSS) provides services to students from the first-generation
and limited income backgrounds as well as students with disabilities. The program
offers several services that inspire, challenge and empower students to persist and
graduate from Murray State University. All services by SSS are FREE to qualified students.
Visit with staff in 262 Blackburn
Student Disability Services: The Office of Student Disability Services is committed to promoting the full participation
of students with disabilities in all areas of university life. Visit with staff in
421 Wells Hall
Veteran and Military Student Success: Murray State University welcomes veterans who have served and continue to serve our
country. Visit with staff and relax in the Veterans Lounge in 444 Blackburn Science
Building
Wellness Center: Families and guests are welcome to tour or exercise at Murray State’s 73,000 square
foot recreation facility free of charge. Visit the facility and staff at 1000 Racer
Drive.
Calloway County Tourism Commission: Provide insight and information to people visiting Murray & Calloway County. This
includes maps, insight to area attractions and events, along with lodging options
at hotels, campgrounds, short-term rentals (VRBO, etc.) and Kentucky Lake resorts.
Visit their website and like them on Facebook @experiencekylake.