Ken, BSA '50 and Marilyn, B.H.Sc. '55 Murray

Marilyn Murray

Mrs. Marilyn Murray, B.H.Sc. ’55, is a renowned volunteer, philanthropist and a long-time friend of the University of Guelph. Since graduating 60 years ago, Marilyn has become a respected community leader, dedicated volunteer and fundraiser, and a champion for her alma mater.

Marilyn grew up in Toronto, in a family that believed in community volunteerism and led by example. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Household Science, Marilyn and her late husband Doug Robinson [OAC ’53] ran their own business from 1963 to 1985 - Summit Film Productions - producing 16mm documentary films for agricultural and educational clients.

In 1986, she began working at the University of Guelph as a Development Officer. Marilyn worked at U of G until 1996. She retired as the Director of Donor Relations of Alumni Affairs and Development. Former U of G President Mordechai Rozanski notes that Marilyn offered him wise counsel, and was “a tireless ambassador to the diverse University alumni community.”

Marilyn has been involved in countless areas of U of G.  She has served as a volunteer fundraiser, a member of the U of G Senate, a member of the Board of Governors, a 75^th anniversary co-chair for Macdonald Institute, and a member of multiple capital campaign project advisory boards. On a more personal note, 4 of Marilyn’s 5 children are U of G graduates.

In addition to her involvement with the University of Guelph, Marilyn has been actively involved in her community in a volunteer leadership capacity, including raising funds for outdoor education programs and facilities in the Grand River watershed. She is also a recipient of the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award. The Murrays received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Waterloo Wellington Fundraising Executives in 2002, and again from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2014.

Through her volunteer and philanthropic contributions, Marilyn has led with a passionate and generous example within the University of Guelph community. The Murrays are altruistic role models whose service and support continues to benefit the people and communities around them.

Dr. Ken Murray

Dr. Ken Murray, BSA ’50, FELL ’83, H.D.La. ’96, is a distinguished volunteer, philanthropist and long-time friend of the University of Guelph. Ken has supported the University through six decades of volunteerism, leadership and service, and along with his wife Marilyn, exemplifies the University’s mandate to change lives and improve life.

Ken is a preacher’s son who grew up in rural Ontario and after serving 2 years in the Canadian Navy, enrolled at OAC in the fall of 1946. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1950 he worked for J.M. Schneider Inc., first as a salesman, and eventually working his way up to President of the company. He retired in 1987.

He has served U of G in many ways — as Chair of the Board of Governors, on the OAC centenary fundraising committee, on the advisory committees for OAC and multiple University capital campaigns, and as co-chair of the regional corporate capital campaign committee and chair of the Heritage Fund enhancement committee. He also served as vice-chair of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, and vice-chair of the Guelph University Alumni Research and Development Inc.

Beyond the University of Guelph, Ken has served industry in many volunteer capacities — on the boards of Canada Trust, B.F. Goodrich, Dominion Life Insurance, and J.M. Schneider Inc. He is also involved with many community organizations, including Waterloo County Public School Board, Kitchener Rotary Club, Kitchener Young Men’s Club, K-W Oktoberfest, Kitchener Chamber of Commerce, Guelph United Way, Guelph Chamber Choir and Kitchener-Waterloo Operatic Society, Homewood Foundation, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Lisaard House. In 1995, in memory of his first wife Helen, he created the Murray Alzheimer Research & Education Program at University of Waterloo and established the Murray Overlook on the Cambridge-to-Paris Rail Trail of the Grand River Conservation Authority.

Ken has already been recognized by the University with highest honours for outstanding contributions — he was named Alumnus of Honour in 1985, and was presented with an honorary degree in 1996 and the Order of OAC in 2003. He has also been presented with the Community Service Award from the Ontario Medical Association and the Homewood Health Centre’s CEO Award, both in 2000. Ken and his wife Marilyn received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Waterloo Wellington Fundraising Executives in 2002, as well as from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2014. In 2001, Ken was named to the Order of Canada, and in 2002 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal.

Through his dedication and service to the University of Guelph, Ken has led with a passionate and generous example. The Murrays are altruistic role models whose care and support continues to benefit the people and communities around them