Jerry and Betsy Shroat: 鈥淢SU Is Woven Into the Fabric of Our Lives鈥�
Donors
Jerry (鈥�63) and Betsy (鈥�63) Shroat
Gift
Significant commitment of new funds into the Betsy Reid and Jerry T. Shroat Theatre Scholarship and the Shroat Outstanding Student Fellowship in Early Childhood or Elementary Education; also gifts in support of Racer Band uniforms, creation of the Murray State University A to Z children鈥檚 alphabet book, and equipment needs for Johnson Theatre, whose stage is named for them and their past support.
Impact
It is difficult to sum up the impact of the Shroats鈥� generosity to Murray State. Their giving spans so many areas and programs and touches the lives of students in so many lasting ways. From providing financial assistance to students through their theatre scholarship and education fellowship to their support of numerous facets of campus life and more, the Shroats campaign gifts add even more to their enduring legacy at their alma mater.
Inspiration
As Betsy Shroat once said, Murray State University is 鈥渨oven into the fabric鈥� of the Shroats鈥� lives. Not only did Jerry attend Murray State, but so did his five siblings. Jerry and Betsy met as freshmen at Murray State and both graduated in 1963, Jerry in history and political science and Betsy in elementary education. They were both very active as students and leaders on campus in a variety of clubs and organizations. At a young age, they discovered they shared a love of theatre which has continued throughout their lives. After graduation and then service in the United States Army, Jerry enjoyed a distinguished career in the insurance industry, becoming one of Murray State鈥檚 most successful alumni. Betsy worked as a teacher for almost two decades and then began devoting herself full-time to volunteer work for a variety of organizations. Both have given generously of their time to Murray State, with Betsy having served on the MSU Library Board and Jerry having served on the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees since 1991, including his current position as chairman of the board. In recognition of his service and achievements, Jerry was named a Murray State Distinguished Alumnus in 1994 and awarded an honorary doctorate in 2021. The Shroats have been incredibly generous to the University for many years, and their recent campaign gifts build on the enduring bond that they have created between themselves and their alma mater.