Racer Report: September 19 – 23
By Alex Pologruto | Sep 23, 2022
MURRAY, Ky. — The latest Murray State University Racer Report includes student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, announcements, upcoming campus events and more for the week of September 19 – 23.
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The Murray State University Department of Music recently welcomed the addition of seven brand new low brass instruments, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Bill Lentz, ‘72, of Paducah, Kentucky. The donated instruments include three trombones, one bass trombone, one euphonium and two tubas, all of which will be available for use by students in the department.
Lentz earned an undergraduate degree in music education before pursuing his Master of Business Administration and subsequent Certified Public Accountant certification. Having retired from his position of chief financial officer for Michelson Jewelers, he now performs as a trombonist with the Jazz Patrol, the Murray State Town & Gown Band and numerous other regional ensembles.
“We can’t emphasize how important this gift is to our students,” said Dr. Lucia Unrau, department of music chair.
“Because Mr. Lentz played on a school-owned instrument as a student, he understands the value of having quality instruments available to students who may not have their own instrument when they start their collegiate studies. This is truly a gift that provides our students with the ability to further pursue excellence in their study of music.”
The Murray State Department of Music is grateful for the support of its alumni. For more information about making a gift to support student achievement, contact Kala Allen-Dunn, director of development, at 270-809-3940 or kallendunn@murraystate.edu.
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Murray State University will host Family Weekend 2022 on Sept. 23 – 25. The University is celebrating 100 years of Racer Families as part of this year’s centennial celebration.
Some events for the weekend include the Mr. MSU pageant, Fall on the Farm, the Family Weekend Alumni Association tailgate, the Racer football game versus Eastern Illinois and much more.
For the full schedule of events please visit murraystate.edu/familyweekend or download the Yapp app to view on a mobile device.
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Life-long Murray native and Murray State University alumnus, John Ryne Winchester, ‘19, has joined the revolution in Calloway County as a loan officer for commercial, mortgage and consumer lending at Independence Bank.
Winchester is no stranger to new and exciting ventures—which has helped him pursue his career in banking. Winchester also knows the importance of a thriving community. As a student in the Hutson School of Agriculture, he was involved in multiple leadership organizations such as the Murray State University Student Government Association and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity—Epsilon Lambda Chapter. Shortly after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business, he set his sights high on serving his hometown.
“My job allows me to be proactively engaged and involved with what’s best for our county and the people within it,” said Winchester. “I have a genuine concern for the betterment of those who make up our towns, cities, schools and businesses, which all starts with some sort of financial support.”
Staying active in his community, and letting his competitive nature shine, Winchester volunteers and participates in disaster relief programs, The Parkinson’s 5K & Fun Run, Soup for the Soul and The Murray/Calloway County Hospital Half Marathon.
“John Ryne brings enthusiasm, relative experience and a desire to excel,” said Independence Bank Calloway County President Heidi Schultz. “He’s a leader, by example, and we’re excited to bring him to the bank. His honest character fits in line with our bank family. I believe he will exceed expectations in this environment. I joined the revolution because of what it stands for and its dedication to operate for the good of its customers.
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In celebration of Calloway County’s 200th anniversary, the Calloway County Fiscal Court will welcome the public to the Murray-Calloway County Central Park (weather permitting) on Nov. 3 for a full day of celebration. The Calloway County Bicentennial Celebration will begin with a special-called Fiscal Court meeting to replicate the county’s first formal act of government. Replete with a color guard and local, state and national leaders, the meeting will include patriotic music performed mid-morning by various local school bands and vocal groups. During lunchtime, visitors can enjoy a meal provided by the Calloway County Tourism Commission and volunteers from Playhouse in the Park will portray some of the county’s notable historic characters. Later in the day, a community reception will be held at Murray State University. The University is celebrating their 100th anniversary and the Murray Independent School District is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022 as well.
Another special aspect of the anniversary celebration is a commemorative history book sponsored by the Calloway County Fiscal Court.
“One of my goals for the bicentennial was to leave a legacy that will document our past, educate the future and promote what we love about this community,” said Judge-Executive Kenny Imes. “I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate than a commemorative book that brought those elements all together.”
Calloway County, Kentucky: Celebrating the First 200 Years, 1822 – 2022 is a 400+ page leather-bound book, published by Acclaim Press. Kentucky author and Calloway County native Bobbie Smith Bryant served as the book manager, working alongside members of the Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society and more than 400 contributors from the local community.
The public is invited to attend the Bicentennial Celebration activities. For a schedule of events please visit Calloway2022.com. Information will be added as events are scheduled and details are confirmed. For specific questions or additional information contact Calloway County Deputy Judge Gina Winchester at 270-753-2920.