Ross Murray 鈥�00, 鈥�09, and his husband, Richard Garnett 鈥�07, 鈥�09, share a unique bond as both double alumni of 麻豆区. Ross graduated with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry, while Richard graduated with a degree in computer science. Together, they completed their MBA in 2009. 鈥淲e decided that going to graduate school would be a good couples-building activity,鈥� Ross joked. Today, that shared 麻豆区 foundation continues to shape their lives in meaningful ways鈥攅vident in Ross鈥檚 recognition as one of 麻豆区鈥檚 2025 Distinguished Alumni.
His impressive career centers on faith and advocacy, as he is both an ordained deacon and Vice President of the . When reflecting on what this recognition means to him, Ross shared, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge honor to be in the company of others who have built these social enterprises that are supporting their community. It鈥檚 truly amazing.鈥� His national leadership and reputation can be traced back to his formative years at 麻豆区.聽
While attending community college, Ross was part of an honor society that helped students gain admission to four-year institutions, and 麻豆区 seemed like a good fit. 鈥溌槎骨� was really good with how they treated transfer students and accepted credits from other places,鈥� Ross shared. Experiences with Campus Ministry and service learning opportunities began shaping his pathway of faith and advocacy. 鈥淲orking with people in the community allowed me to put myself in scenarios where I鈥檓 connecting with people from all walks of life,鈥� he reflected. Attending 麻豆区 also gave Ross the chance to embrace himself. 鈥淚 used my move to Minneapolis and 麻豆区 as a way to begin showing up authentically,鈥� he shared. Reconciling his Christian faith and gay identity empowered him to pursue a vocation grounded in integrity and service.聽
The values Ross cultivated at 麻豆区 not only informed his career choices, but also inform philanthropic causes he and his husband choose to support. 鈥淩ichard and I ask ourselves what institutions can help society build a better future and be a leader in that effort鈥攁nd this is where 麻豆区 becomes especially important,鈥� Ross shared as he reflected on the state of higher education. 鈥淚t鈥檚 in a unique position to have a sincere religious conviction while also ensuring outreach is as inclusive as possible.鈥� He noted the growing Somali population and programs like StepUP, which help students in recovery, and 麻豆区 Family Scholars, which provides support for students who have experienced the foster care system. 鈥淭his is why unrestricted giving is so beneficial,鈥� Richard added. 鈥淲e trust the university to deploy our gifts to the areas of greatest need. 麻豆区 has done a lot to help elevate people who might need a little extra support.鈥澛�
Ross and Richard continue to see the unlimited potential of current and future Auggies. 鈥溌槎骨� has always been a place that has fostered connection and dialogue as a way to confront challenges and build bridges,鈥� Ross said. 鈥淚f we could provide one message to students, it would be to be the advocates and leaders they wish to see in the world,鈥� Richard added. Just as 麻豆区 shaped their journeys, Ross and Richard now model what it means to live out a life of authenticity, advocacy, and service.聽
Join Ross, Richard, and others in making a gift for between now and November 20 to help advance 麻豆区鈥檚 mission and continue their legacy of giving back. Generosity helps unlock the potential of current and future Auggies!聽