UH Scholarship Rewards Student’s Ambition, Passion

Taylor Kilroy is an ambitious young man. The University of Houston senior and Sugar Land resident will graduate this December with a double major in political science and public relations. Law school also is in his future. Ultimately, he would like to run for public office. It was this kind of initiative and ambition that led to his selection as the first recipient of the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship.

"Dr. Murray is one of the most knowledgeable people about Houston politics, and the fact that the scholarship committee found me worthy of the award that carries his name is one of the biggest compliments I've ever received," Kilroy said.

Offered through the UH Center for Public Policy (CPP), the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship was created in 2008 to honor Murray's academic achievements and community service. Murray is the Bob Lanier chair of urban public policy in the UH department of political science and the foremost authority on Houston and Texas politics. He is a sought-after expert by local, state and national media. Murray's service to the Houston community spans four decades and includes research and teaching.

Taylor will receive $1,250 through the privately funded scholarship.

"In addition to finding a student with excellent academic credentials, we were looking for someone who had a passion for politics and policy, and someone who demonstrated a commitment to public service," said Renée Cross, associate director of the Center for Public Policy. "We found all of that in Taylor."

Through CPP, Kilroy participated in an internship in the office of Houston city councilmember Pam Holm, an experience he credits for deepening his interest in politics.

"I find it very difficult to articulate just how much that internship impacted me," Kilroy said. "I cannot give enough thanks to Dr. Murray and the CPP for not only rekindling my interest in politics, but making sure nothing stands in my way."

For more information on the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship, visit http://www.uh.edu/cpp/murrayscholarship.htm. For more information on the UH Center for Public Policy, visit http://www.uh.edu/cpp/.