Icon of Philanthropy Donna Herndon Bestows Even More Generosity Upon Murray State
Donors
Donna Herndon (鈥�64)
Gift
High-quality handmade violin crafted by 2015 Murray State alumnus luthier Dr. Roger Graves
Impact
Murray State violin students will be able to play this finely-made instrument for practice and performance, allowing them to experience what it feels and sounds like to play a master-level instrument, and enhancing the quality of their performances. Among his many years of musical study, Graves trained with a fourth-generation luthier at the Academia Cremonensis, a prestigious violin-making school in Cremona, Italy, and this violin is a product of his time there.
Inspiration
Donna Herndon鈥檚 connection with and generosity to Murray State University spans decades. Not only did she graduate Summa Cum Laude, but she later served as the director of alumni affairs for the University from 1981-1992, founding many of the programs that continue to this day, including Tent City and the Golden Horseshoe Awards. In addition to her recent gift of the violin, which she made in memory of her late son Roger Herndon (1970-1991), she has established two scholarships for Murray State students and supported a wide range of campus projects and priorities, spanning academics, athletics, and student life, with a top priority of making a difference in students鈥� lives.