On July 31, 2024, the Murray State College Foundation entered into a gifting agreement with Bernie and Darlene Conway of Victorville, California to create a new scholarship endowment.

“We are so grateful for alumni donors like the Conways,” said Larry Sloan, Murray State College Foundation Chair. “Their commitment to easing the financial burden of students at Murray State is truly inspiring.”

Bernie Conway enrolled at Murray State in pre-engineering courses as a freshman athlete on the basketball team in the fall of 1961. His academic success became priority and he left the team to begin working in the library. He credits his instructors and roommates for helping him master subjects like math, chemistry and physics.

“Bernie Conway represents the very best of our alumni who choose to give back to students after realizing great professional success,” said Jordyn Frazier, Murray State College Executive Director. “His achievements and dedicated service to our country will forever be remembered with this perpetual scholarship at Murray State.”

In Conway’s second year, he was selected as the ROTC Cadet Colonel and was elected Vice President of the Student Senate. To this day, he maintains many of the friendships that began at Murray State.

“Darlene and I would like to “pay it forward” by helping others receive a college education,” said Bernie Conway. “That first step is sometimes the most difficult and I am eternally grateful for the great start that Murray State provided to me. I hope that those who benefit from the help of the Foundation will continue their education and go on to have rewarding careers.”

Conway went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and worked on electronics for military aircraft on naval bases in California, marrying his wife, Darlene in July 1969.

“Like so many others, Mr. Conway has an incredible story that includes a great start at Murray State,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “I appreciate his investment in the educational success of our students and the hard work of our Foundation to build these important alumni relationships.”

The Bernie and Darlene Conway Endowed Scholarship will be available to Murray State students in the Fall of 2025.