Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs for an evening honoring Richard Murray, a fixture of local and state political punditry, a respected pollster and a mentor to generations of students. 

The Hobby School community, former students, colleagues, friends and civic leaders will gather on Thursday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Eldorado Ballroom for stories, humor and tributes celebrating Murray’s 60 years at the University of Houston. Hosted at one of the city’s most historic venues, the program will reflect his enduring mark on public service, political analysis and civic education in Texas. 

Chaired by Hobby School Advisory Board member Kathryn McNiel, proceeds from the event will benefit the 2027 Hobby Fellows, supporting University of Houston students who will serve during the 90th Texas Legislature at the Texas State Capitol and continue Murray’s legacy of preparing the next generation of public servants.

Whether attendees knew Murray as a professor, researcher, commentator or friend, this night offers an opportunity to recognize his influence and invest in the future he helped shape. 

About the Honoree 

Richard Murray is a professor emeritus in the University of Houston’s Department of Political Science and a senior research fellow at the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Since arriving at the University of Houston in 1966, he has been a leading voice in understanding Texas politics and demographics. After leaving full-time teaching in 2021, Murray continues to study the state’s evolving political landscape with the same curiosity and rigor that defines his 60-year career. Murray played an instrumental role in establishing the Center for Public Policy’s polling operations in 1981 and helped launch the Civic Houston Internship Program in 1996, which has introduced more than 1,800 students to public service. A native of Louisiana, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in government from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. 

If you can’t attend the celebration, you can support the Hobby Fellows program and make a gift in Richard Murray’s honor by contributing any amount.