Edward “Murray” McKay impressioned, nurtured and inspired thousands of professional artists and designers today. His legacy of uplifting voices for LGBTQ+ lives and distributed millions of dollars of college scholarships to marginalized peoples. His energy remains an integral part of an educational fabric that honors free spirits by encouraging teens and young adults to accept one’s most wild part of themselves. He encouraged creating unapologetically. Murray supported thousands of folx over the course of his 21+ years in enrollment management and passionately, and sometimes selflessly, assisted them in choosing an art and design life path.

From his days traveling the States searching for the hottest talent as an Assistant
Director of Admissions at SAIC, he tirelessly gave his all. He began focussing on portfolio development and powerfully addressed conceptual ‘training and research’ in visual culture. McKay’s utmost goals were about finding the students who needed an ally. Whether it was his intuition that led him, or his own personal life’s mission, he sought out visionaries that one can expect to ‘come out’ to the Art Industry as professionals.

After a stint at BGSU and SACI, he became the Senior Associate Director of Enrollment at Parsons, The New School, in NYC. This is where he successfully managed to work around a long standing proprietary lawsuit simultaneously opening up a new campus in Paris, without: a building, faculty, curricula or confirmation of tools and equipment. In Fall of 2013, Parsons Paris welcomed an impressive roster of dedicated students because of Murray’s commitment to his recruits’ artistic dreams. After a few years there, he moved to Philadelphia to further foster aspiring artists' and designers’ life game plans at Drexel University as the Assistant Dean of Recruitment and Retention, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. There, he innovated the marketing presentations for recruitment and won respect from his friends and colleagues along the way. His love of International travel while spreading inspiration is remembered. Once at MICA, as the “AVP of Admissions” the penchant he had for marketing and design while sharing empowered narratives of alumni became his clear passion.

The amount of lives that Murray McKay has changed is, and will continue to be, felt in his passing. Having fought to find funding for hundreds of students that lacked resources for college, his impact directly contributed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the course of his professional career. We remember his humor, generosity, honesty, integrity, loyalty, love for art & design, activism, playfulness, candor, vegetarianism, friendship and so much more. The specialization he acquired in his field through a fierce work ethic is most honorable. He will be very missed by his colleagues in High Schools and Colleges globally where he was a leader and advocate in these organizations:

Arts Schools Network College Art Association NAFSA where he was Co-chair of the NAFSA Creative Industries Members Interest Group: Association of International Educators Council of International Schools (CIS) National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA)The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) The Forum on Education Abroad

He is survived by his life partner and doting husband, Gregory Downer. And, to thousands of students whom he dedicated his life to. His body will be cremated and Murray’s personal tributes and official obituary will be held online at Redden’s Funeral Home: www.reddenfuneralhome.ne located at 325 W 14th St, New York, NY 10014. Due to COVID-19 a memorial is postponed, however will be announced. Criteria is being sorted for “McKay’s Skyrise Fund,” a scholarship for an incoming freshman art & design college student, please consider any sized donation.

Withfriends will be managed by Elijah Wheat Showroom, and a small board of close friends from DASH & NWSA. will the develop the criteria, write the application, chose the candidate and distribute the funds. Please share your information with us so we may keep you up to date with the results.