In memory of David Murray, 1960-2024
This week, we heard the news of the passing of David Murray, a Visiting Instructor in Management. As the picture above shows, he was larger than life. His dedication and positive spirit clearly touched many lives, from his students to his colleagues and administrators.
David starting teaching courses as an adjunct faculty several years ago and became a full-time visiting instructor of management in Fall 2023. He told us it was his dream job. His short time at the College will have a lasting impact.
Every time I saw David, he seemed so grateful to be in the classroom in the School of Business at the College of Charleston. I was not the only one who felt that was true. In hearing the news, colleagues often expressed that David always seemed so joyful, positive, and enthusiastic about his work with students. Faculty commented on his willingness to learn from them and help them with their teaching. Administrators on campus reached out, expressing that he had enthusiastically participated in workshops to learn pedagogical skills. Several people described his antics while biking on campus, “smiling and having the best time.”
David was with us at the College full-time for only a year, but he stepped in at a critical time. There was a lot of transition amongst the faculty, and he was willing to be a jack-of-all-trades, providing coverage of courses where we needed him. It was selfless.
David’s obituary is posted at: https://obits.jhenrystuhr.com/david-murray
As I read through the comments, it’s clear that he made a profound impact on many. If you are so inclined, I encourage you to read through the comments. Many are from our students.
He will be missed.
Carrie Messal • July 25, 2024
Alicia Awdeh July 25, 2024 - 12:43 pm
My heart is so empty with his absence! He was the epitome of sunshine inside a human soul.
I never saw him without a smile and he made it a point to stop and speak to people and showed genuine care for everyone he crossed paths with.
We all aspire to be remembered fondly when we leave this earth and David gets an A+ in that category. We lost a little sunshine when he left but I’m sure he will find a way to shine his beautiful light on us from his eternal and perfect new home.
Alicia Awdeh
Kristen McMullen July 26, 2024 - 8:53 am
David was a bright spot in my day. I opened his classroom every morning during the school year and our conversations just started my day off with a smile. He was like no other. During my mother’s passing, he provided such warm insight that helped me through the process of her passing. He was such a wonderful addition to the Faculty Mentoring Program Task Force. Drew and I loved having his insight. I saw him twice the week before we passed as he shared about his adventures riding his bike across the country from touching the water in the Pacific Ocean to touching down in the Atlantic off of Sullivan’s. 52 days and he loved every moment. I will miss him greatly.