Show-Me State Times

Leaders from the University of Missouri and the Missouri School of Journalism have announced a significant donation of $10.3 million from Jonathan Murray, a founding donor and namesake of the Murray Center. This contribution is set to enhance opportunities for students and alumni in the documentary film program.

University of Missouri President Mun Choi highlighted the center's reputation: "The Murray Center has a national reputation for innovation and excellence," he said. He added that Murray's gift would support faculty and students in telling impactful stories, preparing future documentary journalists for success.

Under Robert Greene and Sebastián Martínez Valdivia, students at the center produce various documentaries. The new funding will bolster student filmmaking support, including financial assistance for production or distribution after graduation.

David Kurpius, dean of the School of Journalism, emphasized the program's alignment with the school's educational approach: “The Murray Center is a natural extension of what the School of Journalism has done since 1908,” he said. Kurpius expressed enthusiasm about offering more support to students alongside Jon Murray.

This recent gift builds on previous contributions totaling $17 million from Murray, known for his role in reality television with Bunim-Murray Productions. His company created notable shows like MTV’s “The Real World” and other successful projects.

Murray envisions Columbia, Missouri as a hub for documentary journalism: “This is a place where we’re taking the documentary world...and we’re bringing in that voice from the Midwest,” he stated. He believes this funding will further develop an already emerging community.

The donation will strengthen ties with True/False Film Fest and Ragtag Film Society while formalizing an alumni network offering industry connections. The Visiting Artist program will continue to bring industry professionals into classrooms to guide students' projects.

“These are working professionals who come in and judge our students' ideas,” Martínez explained. Students then spend their final year developing these films with hands-on experience.

Greene noted that Murray’s gift allows unique opportunities: “Jon Murray’s gift gives us the freedom to bring in artists who don’t go to other schools,” he said, emphasizing Columbia's distinct environment as both small yet significant.