The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship
The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 for the purpose of honoring Dr. Richard Murray's service to the Houston community and 40 years of teaching and research at the University of Houston. The first scholarship will be awarded after the conclusion of the spring 2009 semester.
An Overview of Dr. Murray's Accomplishments
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Taught political science at UH since 1966
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Founded the Center for Public Policy (CPP) in 1981 with a small group of UH faculty
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Established the CPP’s polling operations in 1981
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Co-authored Pro-Growth Politics Change and Governance in Houston (1991)
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Served as director of the CPP from 1996-2006
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Created the CPP’s Houston Government Internship Program in 1996
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Launched the computer assisted survey system in the Survey Research Institute in 2000
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Awarded the Bob Lanier Chair in Urban Public Policy in 2004
From left to right: Mrs. Elyse Lanier, Mayor Bob Lanier, Dr. Richard Murray, and Debbie Hartman-Murray
The Award
The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding political science undergraduate student who shares a passion for politics and policy, has a strong academic commitment and demonstrates a commitment to public service. Up to two $1250.00 awards will be presented upon the conclusion of the spring semester. Private funds were raised to endow this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship recipient(s) will be determined by the Richard Murray Scholarship Committee comprised of political science faculty and Center for Public Policy representatives. Criteria includes the following:
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Scholarship applicant’s experience inside and outside of the classroom should show a passion for politics and policy.
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Scholarship applicant should have a strong academic commitment and demonstrated dedication to public service.
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Scholarship applicant must exhibit leadership ability through campus and/or community activities.
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Scholarship applicant must have a major in political science declared in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
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Scholarship applicant must be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at the University of Houston.
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Scholarship applicant must have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours by the conclusion of Spring 2009. Incoming transfer students must have at least 30 hours of coursework completed at UH.
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Scholarship applicant is expected to complete satisfactorily at least 75% of the enrolled semester hours for each semester in which the scholarship is applied.
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A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for eligibility.
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Scholarship recipient may accept other scholarships and grants in conjunction with the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship.
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Funds can be used to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies for the coming academic semester. Any expenses of a recipient in excess of the amount deposited must be borne by the student.
Application
The first scholarship will be awarded after the conclusion of the spring 2009 semester.
Application deadline extended to July 17, 2009.
Download the application.
Remember to include the following information in your application packet::
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A single typewritten sheet of paper for items 4 and 5, and a single typewritten sheet of paper for item 6.
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Two letters of recommendation from faculty members in CLASS. A third letter of recommendation from a government office, campaign or non-profit organization will also be accepted.
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An official transcript from the University of Houston including the spring 2009 semester’s grades.
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An updated degree plan or academic audit.
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An updated resume including the response to item 3.
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The application is not complete without your signature.
Submit application packet to:
University of Houston
Center for Public Policy
104 Heyne Building
Houston, Texas 77204-5021
Attention: Mike Angel
