“Mick’s leadership in philanthropy and commitment to building a better Wyoming is unmatched,” says Scott Neu, chair of the UW Foundation Board of Directors. “It won’t ever be matched. He wasn’t just generous with his fortune but with his time. ‘Pay it Forward’ wasn’t just a punchline for Mick—it was a lifestyle. He helped so many people achieve what they perceived to be impossible by opening doors and connecting people. He was my friend, and I will always miss him. I feel extremely lucky to have spent a lot of time with Mick and learned from him.”
Here are a few of the UW initiatives that would not have been possible without the McMurrys’ support.
The Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, UW’s state-of-the-art welcoming center opened in 2014, would not have been possible without the McMurrys. Their gift of $6 million supported the McMurry Foundation Grand Atrium and McMurry Foundation UW Legacy Hall. The Grand Atrium serves as a gathering place and event space for UW’s internal and external constituencies. The Legacy Hall tells the story of UW—from its founding in 1886 through its vibrant present and on into the institution’s bright future—through dynamic and flexible visuals.
It was through the McMurrys’ support—and that of John and Mari Ann Martin—that in 2005 War Memorial Stadium underwent major improvements, and new athletic facilities such as the Indoor Practice Facility and the Wildcatter Stadium Club and Suites were built. Their support enabled new turf in 2013, and the field was renamed Jonah Field in honor of their Wyoming gas fields.
The ongoing renovations of the Arena-Auditorium were supported by the McMurrys and include new student-athlete facilities, a new court, new fan amenities and much more. Their support of the Cowboy Joe Club and other athletic initiatives helps student-athletes every day to reach their full potential in the classroom and on the field.
The McMurrys set up a matching fund that benefits the Western Thunder Marching Band, “the Pride of Wyoming,” as it supports our Cowboys and Cowgirls. The fund helps with travel expenses, graduate fellowships, uniforms, instruments and much more, not to mention inspiring others in their generosity. And this was not their first gift to the marching band.
The McMurry Fellowship in Energy Research provides much-needed fellowships to graduate students who are conducting energy-related research. Fellowships like this are vital, as graduate students do much of the work of professors’ research.
The Susan K. McMurry Nursing Strategic Investment Fund supports scholarships through the McMurry Nursing Scholars in the BRAND Program, as well as faculty in the School of Nursing.
Leadership Wyoming pulls together people who are not normally linked “to provide leaders who are committed to excellence and progress in Wyoming the opportunity to better understand general public policy issues, economic and social diversity, and the challenges facing our state and to prepare them, through shared mutual interests and the leadership skills developed, to be active in building a better Wyoming.” The McMurrys provided operation support to this invaluable program.
Other projects that they have supported include scholarships for UW students, scholarships for UW-Casper College students, College of Business Dean’s Excellence Fund, the UW Art Museum, the Ann Simpson Artmobile, Simpson Plaza, the Wyoming Technology Business Center, the University of Wyoming Conference Center and much more.
The list of the McMurrys’ generosity is never-ending. Many of UW’s upgrades and innovations simply would not have been possible without their support, not to mention their many gifts to organizations across Wyoming.
“In so many ways, Mick was larger than life,” says Ben Blalock, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “His vision for Wyoming and UW has changed us forever. Our state and our university have been transformed by Mick and Susie. Mick and Susie are two of my best friends. In partnership with Susie, UW will continue Mick’s commitment to build a better Wyoming. I think of Mick every day. I know he is watching. I know he expects us to dream and to achieve.”
We owe Mick so much. Wyoming has been immeasurably changed for the better by Mick and Susie. Likewise, the University of Wyoming has been transformed. Mick and Susie have undoubtedly built a better Wyoming, and we will always celebrate Mick’s amazing life.
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