Jim Murray Memorial Foundation
Murray Scholars
Journalism Scholarship Program
What is a Murray Scholar?
A Murray Scholar shows by academic excellence, with emphasis in writing, qualities that promise to perpetuate the
Jim Murray spirit of journalistic integrity and creativity.
What is the Murray Scholar Scholarship program?
The Murray Scholar Scholarship program, funded by the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation (JMMF), awards
five (5) $5,000 scholarships annually to outstanding print journalism students, with emphasis on sports
journalism, through a nationwide essay competition. In granting educational scholarships, JMMF continues to
support the education of aspiring journalism students as they prepare for important roles in their profession
and community.
Who is eligible to apply?
Undergraduate students officially enrolled at the University’s School of Journalism, who will be of junior
or senior status for the fall 2012 semester.
Students entering his/her senior year will graduate in spring of 2013 and not mid-year.
An applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
An applicant must have at least a “B” (3.0) grade point average and enrolled as a full time student.
An applicant must show integrity of character, interest in and respect for his/her fellow humans, and the
energy to use his/her writing talents to the fullest extent.
Why should I apply?
Ease the financial need in funding your education.
Opportunity to showcase your writing skills.
Compete among other talented journalism students across the country.
Associate yourself with the Jim Murray name and the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation.
Who was Jim Murray?
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Murray was a 1943 Trinity College graduate. Named “America’s Best Sportswriter”
fourteen times by the National Association of Sportscasters & Sportswriters, Jim Murray was respected and loved by so many for
his witty phrases that captured the essence of his subjects. His work still today remains unprecedented and unmatched.
A few of Murray’s career achievements include:
TIME Magazine, Los Angeles correspondent, 1948-55
Sports Illustrated, founding father, 1953; West Coast editor, 1959-61
Los Angeles Times, lead sports columnist, 1961-1998
First sportswriter to win a Victor Award, 1982
Inducted into Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, Writers’ Wing, 1988
Pulitzer Prize Winner for Commentary, 1990
Author of four books, Best of Jim Murray, Sporting World of Jim Murray, The Jim Murray Collection, and Jim Murray, An
Autobiography. Collection books published after Murray’s death: “Jim Murray: Last of the Best”; “Jim Murray: The Great Ones”;
“Quotable Jim Murray.”
What is the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation?
The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established in 1999 to perpetuate the Jim Murray
legacy, and his love for and dedication to his extraordinary career in journalism. Since 1999, JMMF has granted seventy-three
(73) $5,000 scholarships to outstanding journalism students. Success of the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation’s efforts depends
heavily on the contributions from generous individuals, organizations, corporations, and volunteers who align themselves with the
mission and values of the JMMF. Past and present JMMF supporters include the McCormick Foundation, St. Louis Rams,
NFL Charities, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, Major
League Baseball, NASCAR, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of
Anaheim and Angels Baseball Foundation, Los Angeles Kings and the Kings Care Foundation, OakTree Racing
Association at Santa Anita, ESPN, Fox Sports, PGA of America, Callaway Golf, California Bank & Trust, AnheuserBusch, Cadillac and Rydell Automotive, Inc., FrameStore, Sandy Parr, LLC. Individuals Peter O’Malley, Steve Soboroff,
David E. Hofmans, and Linda McCoy-Murray contribute financially on an annual basis.
If interested in applying or for more information on the JMMF scholarships, please contact the dean and/or director of
your journalism department.
For additional information, please contact:
Jim Murray Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 60753
Pasadena, CA 91116
Email: Murrayscholars@aol.com
www.jimmurrayfoundation.org