Letter from Alumni Relations & Development
Executive Director Jessi Ferguson
Dear MSU Retirees,
As we progress through a new year, we are reminded of the remarkable legacy each of you carries. Your years of dedication, mentorship, and service helped shape MSU into the vibrant community it is today. That impact didn’t end at retirement — it continues to echo through our students, our campus, and one another.
Staying connected to MSU isn’t just about looking back; it’s about remaining part of a community that still values your voice, your experience, and your presence. Whether you join us for events, support campus initiatives, or simply keep in touch with fellow retirees, your engagement strengthens the Eagle family in meaningful ways.
Thank you for everything you’ve contributed — and for all the ways you continue to enrich MSU. We’re grateful you’re part of this association, and we look forward to the months ahead together.
Warm regards,
Jessi Ferguson
Jessi Ferguson (Class of 2011, 2012) Executive Director, Alumni Relations & Development
Join Us for the Retirees Luncheon –
May 20, 2026
Reconnect, Celebrate, and Make a Difference at the Annual Retiree Luncheon!
We warmly invite you to join us for this year’s Annual Retiree Luncheon—a special occasion to reconnect with fellow retirees, share memories, and enjoy a complimentary meal in great company. You’ll also hear updates from Morehead State University and learn how the Retirees Association continues to support and engage our community.
This year, we’re proud to continue our support of Eagle Essentials, MSU’s campus store that provides free resources to students in need. From non-perishable food and hygiene items to school supplies, your generous contributions help empower student success. We encourage you to bring a donation to the luncheon and be part of this meaningful initiative.
*Please take a moment to complete the information update at the end of this newsletter so we can keep you informed as event details become available. You may also call 606-783-2033 to update your information.
Celebrating Our Newest Retirees!
On behalf of the Morehead State University Retirees Association and the entire MSU community, we proudly recognize and celebrate the following individuals on their retirement. Your years of dedicated service have left a lasting impact on our university, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment, passion, and contribution.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for a fulfilling and joyful retirement.
If you notice that a name has been inadvertently omitted, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 606-783-2033 so we may update our records and ensure every retiree is properly honored.
2025 Retirees
Carla J. Aagaard
Lola A. Aagaard-Boram
Verdie A. Craig
Richard Fletcher
Connie Grimes
April Miller
Madonna L. Hanshaw
Jason P. Holcomb
Thomas P. Kmetz
Bethany L. Lowery
Russell F. Mast
Susan A. Maxey
Malinda B. McMurry
Gary C. Mesa-Gaido
Nancy A. Preston
Jeanne Petsch
Keith A. Quinn
Willis L. Taylor
Stay Connected & Get Involved with the MSU Retirees Association!
Retirement is not an ending. It’s a new chapter filled with opportunities to stay engaged, give back, and continue making a difference. The MSU Retirees Association invites you to remain an active part of the Eagle community.
Ways to Stay Involved:
Attend Events
Reconnect with former colleagues and forge new friendships at a variety of social gatherings, campus celebrations, and special outings.
Visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/events to explore upcoming opportunities.
Volunteer Your Time
Share your time and talents by supporting campus and community initiatives like Eagle Essentials or lend a hand during hallmark events such as Move-In Day, Family Weekend, and Homecoming.
SCAN TO VISIT THE RETIREES WEBSITE
Homecoming 2025
Homecoming is one of MSU’s most cherished traditions. It’s a time for retirees, alumni, students, family, and friends to come together and celebrate what it means to be an Eagle. This year’s Homecoming was unforgettable!
March 4-7 - OVC Basketball Tournament
March 26-27 - 24-Hour Giving Challenge
April 15 - President’s Concert on the Lawn
April 25 - MSU Spring Gala
May 20 - Retirees Luncheon
June 14-19 - Travel to Mackinac Island, Michigan
September TBA - Travel to Salem, Massachusetts
October 22-24 - MSU Homecoming
Get ready for another exciting year filled with opportunities to connect, explore, and celebrate your Eagle pride! The MSU Retirees Association invites you to join fellow retirees, alumni, and friends at events throughout the year — from local gatherings and special celebrations to travel adventures and campus traditions.
Every event is a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, make new friends, and stay engaged with the MSU family you helped build.
Coastal Charm of Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard!
Our recent adventure to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard was a dream come true! Travelers wandered through charming seaside villages, marveled at historic lighthouses, and savored fresh lobster rolls along the coast. From the windswept beaches of Cape Cod to the timeless elegance of Martha’s Vineyard, every moment was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
The laughter, camaraderie, and shared discoveries made this trip truly special—and we’re already planning our next adventure! If you loved the coastal beauty and rich history of New England, you’ll be captivated by what’s coming next: Mackinac Island, Michigan. Picture horse-drawn carriages, Victorian architecture, and the serene waters of Lake Huron. Don’t miss out on another incredible journey!
The MSU Alumni and Retirees Associations are excited to present a 6 day/5 night trip to:
MACKINAW CITY & MACKINAC ISLAND
JUNE 14-19, 2026
5 nights hotel accommodations, 5 hotel breakfasts, 3 wonderful dinners & 1 Grand Lunch
The itinerary includes three overnight stays in Mackinaw City, with a day trip to Mackinac Island. Open to all alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and friends of MSU!
“World-Famous” Dinner at the Bavarian Inn Since 1888, more than 20 million guests have returned to feast on our world-famous familystyle dinners.
Buffet Lunch at the Grand Hotel
Throughout the history of the Grand Hotel, dining has been one of the brightest highlights of the guest experience, and every meal is truly special, thanks to exceptional food, service, and ambiance.
YOUR GETAWAY INCLUDES:
Frankenmuth - Michigan’s Little Bavaria
Stroll cobblestone streets and charming shops in this storybook German town, where European ambiance meets Midwestern hospitality.
Fort Michilimackinac
Explore 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed from historic maps and decades of archaeology.
Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island
Step back in time on a horse-drawn carriage tour with the world’s oldest buggy service with over 400 horses and 100 carriages!
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Step into a holiday dream at the world’s largest Christmas store-where it’s Christmas every day, and the magic never ends!
Soo Locks Boat Tour
Witness an engineering marvel as your boat rises 21 feet through the Soo Locks-the largest waterway traffic system on Earth!
AND MORE!
by Feb. 28
PAYMENT DUE by Apr. 3
LIMITED AVAILABILITY. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! For information and/or reservations, please call the MSU Alumni Office at 606-783-2033, or visit our website alumni.moreheadstate.edu
Travel protection can be purchased at $199/person for double occupancy or $259 for single occupancy. If you wish to purchase travel protection, please send a separate check to the MSU Alumni Office made payable to PML Travel & Tours . Insurance premiums are not refundable, should your plans change.
Discover Your On-Campus Retiree Benefits!
Reconnect. Reengage. Rediscover.
As a valued MSU retiree, you have access to a variety of on-campus perks designed to keep you connected and supported. From library access to fitness facilities, explore the many ways you can continue to enjoy the MSU experience!
Athletic Tickets
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Camden-Carroll Library
Career Services
KY Folk Art Center
Parking Permit
MSU Theatre Tickets
Space Science Center
Tuition Waivers
Recreation & Wellness Center
Recreation & Wellness Center
✓ Discounted Price - Tickets may be purchased at Morehead State University Athletics - Official Athletics Website
✓ Ticket Rate Per Individual Sport/ Season Pass:
• Basketball: $100 per Ticket (Bleacher Seating), or $245 per Ticket (Chairback Seating)
• Football: $40 per Ticket
• Baseball/ Softball/ Soccer/ Volleyball: $30 per Ticket
✓ Discount - 10% (MSU Campus location only)
✓ Retirees are welcome to use the Camden-Carroll Library. A user card can be purchased for $6 at the front desk.
✓ Free - The services of the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education are available to MSU alumni and retirees for lifetime at no charge. Jobs and volunteer opportunities targeted for MSU are always posted on Eagle CareerNet at www.moreheadstate.edu/careernet
✓ Free - No cost to visit the Museum and enjoy the beautiful artwork and displays of local artists.
✓ Free - Retirees of Morehead State University are eligible to receive a complimentary parking pass each year, which provides designated parking when you visit campus. To receive your parking pass, please complete the form at the link below. Passes are mailed to you via the University Police or may be picked up in person. https://alumni.moreheadstate.edu/retireeparking.
✓ Discount - $6 tickets
Tickets are available at the box office in Breckinridge Hall or may be purchased online.
✓ Discount - Public shows on Saturdays, $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, free for MSU card holders.
✓ Free - If age 65+
MSU offers the Caudill Scholarship to individuals 65 years of age, which covers tuition and fees. All that we require is a photo ID, driver’s license, or other form of government identification, that lists the individual’s date of birth.
✓ Free - If age 65+ - Silver Sneakers Program: United Healthcare
✓ Discount - $100 per semester, $200 per academic year, $40 per summer or $240 annually. $10 per individual fitness class
✓ Free - If you have an interest in staying fit and remaining engaged, Fit Eagles may be for you! Join this supportive group on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:30, for a walk on our beautiful campus. You will meet at the Little Belltower.
Dr. Charles “Charlie” Mason: A Legacy of Dedication and Giving Back
An MSU alumnus, faculty emeritus, and lifelong mentor, Dr. Charles Mason has been the heart and soul of Morehead State University’s Geology program for decades. Known simply as “Charlie” to generations of students, his teaching style, field experiences, and personal investment in each student’s success have left an enduring mark on the program and its people.
From leading the Geology Club and hosting “GeoDog” fundraisers, to personally preparing chili for students at his home, Dr. Mason built more than a department—he built a family. He made sure active club members received $1,000 toward Field Camp, led multi-week field trips across the country, and even lowered course credit hours to make those opportunities more affordable. Beyond academics,
Walls
Charlie helped students through financial challenges, offered life advice, and opened his home to those in need.
Now, his legacy of generosity continues through philanthropy. Inspired by the countless alumni who credit Charlie for shaping their careers and lives, supporters established the Charlie Mason Geology Endowment—a permanent fund that will benefit geology students for generations to come. In addition, the program continues to thrive through multiple geology-focused endowments, a testament to the strong community Charlie helped create and sustain.
Dr. Mason remains an active advocate for MSU and its geology students, fostering alumni connections and supporting the next generation of scientists. His life’s work exemplifies what it means to give back— not for recognition, but out of genuine care for others and belief in the power of education.
Create a Legacy—Empower the Next Generation of Eagles
Imagine the impact you can make by helping a student achieve their dreams. By establishing a scholarship, you’re not only honoring your own MSU journey or that of a loved one, but you’re also investing in the future of Morehead State University and the lives of students who will carry the Eagle spirit forward.
Creating a scholarship is a powerful way to:
• Celebrate a legacy to recognize a person, milestone, or your own MSU experience
• Ease the burden to help students focus on learning by reducing financial stress
• Shape the futures to support the development of tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
If you’re ready to make a lasting difference, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Development at 606-783-2033 to learn more about how you can establish your own scholarship.
Together, we can open doors, inspire dreams, and ensure the Eagle legacy continues for generations to come.
and Dr. Mason
Plan with PurposeLeave a Legacy Through Planned Giving In Memory of Dr. Sue Y. Luckey
Morehead State University has named the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) Ballrooms in memory of the late Dr. Sue Y. Luckey, a beloved faculty member, retiree, and lifelong supporter of MSU. Dr. Luckey’s decades of service, leadership, and generosity, along with a transformational planned gift to the MSU Foundation, will continue to support students for generations to come. A visionary educator, she helped establish the MSU Retirees Association, chaired the Department of Information Sciences, and directed the MBA program. Her remarkable legacy now lives on through endowed scholarships and this lasting campus tribute.
Why Choose Planned Giving? Create a plan, aligned with your values, while empowering the future generation of Eagles! Enjoy flexible options that won’t affect your current lifestyle but will carry on your legacy at MSU.
Ways to Give
• Wills & Trusts: Include MSU in your estate plans.
• Retirement Plans: Name MSU as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k).
• Income-Producing Gifts: Charitable gift annuities or trusts provide lifetime income.
• Real Estate & Property: Donate appreciated assets for potential tax benefits.
Planned giving is more than a financial choice; it’s a commitment to education’s transformative power. Start the conversation, contact Alumni Relations & Development at 606-783-2033 or giving@moreheadstate.edu to explore your options.
Honoring the Legacy of Our Colleagues: Memorial Brick Program
Morehead State University is proud to honor the lives and service of our former employees through the Memorial Brick Program —a lasting tribute to those who have passed during or after their time at MSU. Each name is thoughtfully inscribed along the Memorial Brick Walk , located in the heart of campus, serving as a permanent reminder of their dedication and impact.
The Memorial Brick Dedication Ceremony is held annually on the Friday of Homecoming Weekend, bringing together colleagues, friends, and family to reflect and remember.
We are committed to recognizing all who have served our university. If you know of a retired or current faculty or staff member who has passed and has not yet been honored, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 606-783-2033
For more information, visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/memorialbricks
2025 Memorial Brick Honorees
Bobby Dehart 1978-2011
Paul Denayer 2006-2014
Joy Dennis 1965-1981
Dr. Ronald Fiel 1972-2002
Richard Faulkner 2012-2019
John Graham, III 1967-2002
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Green 19902000
Kyung “Kozy” Hamilton 1977-2010
Joyce Hart 1960-1970
Dr. Travis Lockhart 1982-2005
Dr. Sue Y. Luckey 1963-1994
Dr. Randall McCoy 1997-2023
Edward G. Nass 1963-2004
James Pelfrey 1973-1983
Kenneth Porter 1949-1988
Helen Rowe 1994-2014
James “Sarge” Sergent 1983-1996
Ralph Shoaf 1996-2000
Bonnie Sloan 1977-2005
Dr. Karen Taylor 2002-2025
Denise Trusty 2015-2024
Keith Walker 2009-2019
Call for Nominations: 2026 MSU Founders Award for University Service
Morehead State University and the MSU Board of Regents are proud to recognize individuals whose extraordinary service has left a lasting impact on our campus community. Established in 1978, the Founders Award for University Service honors employees or volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to the University’s mission.
We are honored to announce Wayne Martin (Class of 1968, 1972) as the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award. A distinguished alumnus, coach, broadcaster, and long-serving member of the MSU Board of Regents, Mr. Martin’s decades of service exemplify the spirit of this recognition. His leadership has helped shape the University’s growth, guided it through pivotal moments, and inspired generations of Eagles.
We invite you to help us celebrate those who make MSU extraordinary. If you know someone whose service deserves to be recognized, please submit your nomination by May 1, 2026 .
Visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/foundersaward to nominate or view past recipients.
Email Access After Retirement or Separation: What You Need to Know
As part of Morehead State University’s transition process, please note: Faculty retain access to their MSU email accounts for 180 days after retirement or separation, while staff retain access for 60 days. Some individuals who retired prior to 2019 may still have access under previous policies.
To continue receiving important updates, event invitations, and communications from the MSU Retirees Association, please ensure we have your current, non-MSU email address on file.
Stay Connected: Update Your Information
Name of retiree:
Department at time of retirement:
Retirement date:
Name of spouse/partner:
Retiree Address:
City, State & Zip:
Phone:
Non-MSU Email:
Please check if this is a new name or address:
New Name
New Address
Years of Service at MSU:
Please return to: MSU Retirees Association
Morehead State University 121 E. 2nd Street, Suite 107 Morehead, KY 40351