Murray T. Burch Memorial Athletic Training Student Scholarship

The initial goal of the Murray Burch Memorial Athletic Training Student Scholarship is to establish an endowed fund for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training. The LSU Foundation will work with Murray's family to direct gifts to a fund that they feel best celebrates his legacy.

Murray T. Burch passed away on December 16, 2020 in Jackson, MS. He was born July, 1, 1961 in Baton Rouge, LA to Dr. Thomas and Martha Burch. He is survived by his brothers Larry (and wife Susan), and Edward (and wife Sally), along with nieces Elisabeth Claire Hotard (and husband Danny), Leslie Marie Burch, and nephew Thomas Edward Burch; and by his great-nephew Asher Samson Hotard and great-niece, Ruth Anastasia Hotard. Murray is also survived by his special friend, Christie Ford.

Murray graduated from Robert E. Lee High School as well as LSU, where he was an Athletic Trainer for the Tiger football team in the early 1980’s. Soon after graduation, Murray served as the head Athletic Trainer at St. Martin’s High School in Metairie, LA and later received his Master’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. Murray then moved to Jackson, MS where he worked for many years as the Head Athletic Trainer at Millsaps College as well as Mississippi Sports Medicine and Elite Physical Therapy. He was also a long time member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Mississippi Athletic Trainers Association, the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association and was a LSU National L Club Letterwinner. Murray was a caring, gentle soul and was a friend to all. He will be missed by many.

The LSU Foundation will work with Mr. Burch’s family to establish the purpose of tribute funds contributed through this effort. His family will also represent all donors for any needed revision to the purpose of the fund.

Give Now

To contribute by check, make checks payable to: LSU Foundation
Notation Line: Murray Burch Memorial Athletic Training Student Scholarship 

Send to: LSU Foundation
        3796 Nicholson Dr.
        Baton Rouge, LA 70802

The LSU Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with Murray's family. We do not share the gift amount unless a donor explicitly gives us permission to do so. 

Sentiments from Murray’s Colleagues and Friends

"As an fellow LSU alumnus, Murray was the epitome of the LSU phrase “Love Purple, Live Gold”. He became one of my mentors, a long-time friend for over 30 years, and as a healthcare provider, one of the best I have ever been around. Whenever he walked into the room everyone was excited to see him, and someone would always say “Murray!!” As quiet and low-key as he was, his personal energy was infectious and was a bright spot in any day to anyone. I am like countless others are eternally grateful to have had him in our life, and someone whom I will continue to aspire to be both personally and professionally.” – Ray Castle, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT; Professor of Professional Practice & Athletic Training Program Director, LSU School of Kinesiology

"Murray was the epitome of an athletic trainer. He was thoughtful, selfless, knowledgeable, and willing to help anyone. When you first met Murray he would disarm you with his smile and attitude and then owned you as a friend! I met Murray in the mid eighties and jumped at the opportunity to hire him a few years later, he never disappointed! I will continue to miss my friend! I look forward to donating to his LSU Scholarship Fund and think it is a great way for him to be remembered!” – Mike Wilkinson, MS, ATC; Retired Director of the Mississippi Sports Medicine Outreach Program

"Ask any athlete (starter or walk-on) who was ever cared for by Murray: Lee High School, SLU, St. Martin’s High School, LSU, professional football, Millsaps College or the 2 high schools he was caring for in Jackson, MS when he became ill and they all will say the same thing: He cared for me like I was the most important athlete on the team. That's how an athletic trainer is measured. He was the best; just the best and we will forever miss him.” – John Purdy, ATC