Don Murray taught sculpture at UFV from 1990 – 2003 and was Department Head of Visual Arts from 1999 – 2003. Without a doubt, Don was a favourite among both faculty and students. Quoted to have had a “quirky and unpredictable” sense of humour, Don was a true pleasure to know. Not one to be put off by a daunting task, Don rallied to bring the new media program to UFV. Always known for his passion and perseverance, it was Don who helped raise UFV’s visual arts program to a competitive level with similar programs at Emily Carr, SFU and UBC. His impact on the Visual Arts department, and UFV as a whole, cannot be underestimated.

Don was a strong advocate for art throughout the community. In 1986, he founded the Active ARTIFACTS Cultural Association, an artist‐run centre in Vancouver. Having had many opportunities to share his art with the world, Don strongly believed in helping other aspiring artists to achieve the same goals.

Tetsuomi Anzai, UFV Visual Arts Department Head, captures Don and his legacy best: “what always impressed us about Don was his ability and dedication as a teacher and the connection he had with his students. You could tell that there was a genuine rapport there and his students respected him and excelled under his instruction. His vision for the department and his contributions here at such a formative time in our history really helped to forge the foundations of who we are now. He will be greatly missed.”

Because Don truly loved his students and because he truly loved art, it is only fitting to honour him by creating the Don Murray Memorial Endowment Scholarship in Sculpture. This scholarship serves as a legacy for Don, who not only created brilliant pieces of his own, but who committed to providing that same opportunity for other artists as well.

In honour of Don, we encourage you to make a donation to the Don Murray Memorial Endowment Scholarship in Sculpture.