Scholarship Fund to Honor Robert F. Alsup

Murray, Ky., March 8 – The Murray State University College of Education is honoring military veteran and distinguished Reading Education professor Dr. Robert F. Alsup through the Dr. Robert F. Alsup Memorial Scholarship fund.

The fund was established in 1974. Over the past several years, the fund has not yielded sufficient funds to maintain the value of the scholarship. The College of Education is asking for help to reestablish the fund with a goal of adding $18,884 to the current balance of $14,616. In order to reach this goal, the Early Childhood and Elementary Education department has agreed to add $1 for every $2 donated up to $6,000. Reaching this goal will provide a $1,000 per year scholarship in an effort to provide encouragement and financial assistance to deserving education students.

The scholarship was established due to Alsup’s contribution to students, faculty, and the field of education. Alsup had a successful career in education where he developed the reading program at Murray State University to support and encourage reading in the elementary and secondary schools. In 1974, he received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Professor Award.

Before coming to Murray State, Alsup had an impressive military career. He was an armor gunnery instructor who went on to serve as commander of a Sherman tank during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. His tank was only one of five that managed to survive.

Alsup died in 1979.

Contributions to the scholarship can be made to the MSU Foundation, designated for the Dr. Robert F. Alsup Memorial Scholarship c/o Office of Development, 106 Development Center, Murray, Ky., 42071.