ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University alumna Christina McMurray, recently committed $500,000 to the university's Bicentennial Campaign to establish The Happ and McMurray Families Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will benefit students majoring in radio and television in the College of Communication. McMurray is the vice president of station acquisitions at First Broadcasting Company LP in Dallas, Texas.

"I am a firm believer in people improving themselves through education," McMurray said. The daughter of two Ohio University graduates, McMurray earned her bachelor's in communication with a specialty in radio and television in 1975. She has dedicated her gift in honor of: Paul Happ, her father, who graduated with a journalism degree in 1948; her mother, Lorraine (Ohning) Happ, who graduated in 1949; and her husband, Douglas McMurray, who graduated from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology in 1974.

"Christina's commitment to support scholarships is a wonderful investment in the future of the university," said College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl. "This gift will provide opportunities for bright young people to attend Ohio University and to become tomorrow's leaders in radio and television media."

McMurray credits much of her success to Ohio University. "I just wanted to thank the university for providing me with such a wonderful educational experience," she said. "Ohio University is an excellent school for the (communication) major and it gave me the tools to go on and be successful."

The Bicentennial Campaign has raised more than $149 million toward its goal of raising $200 million in time for the university's bicentennial in 2004. The campaign will provide resources for scholarships, endowed faculty positions, technological enhancements, innovative programs and selected capital improvements. To learn more about making a gift to the Bicentennial Campaign, call 1-800-592-FUND or visit www.ohiou.edu/campaign/giving.html to make a donation online.