Murry Foust was due to graduate on May 8. Instead, Northern Kentucky University handed the degree to Foust’s parents at a memorial service on campus on June 3.
Foust, 22, earned a BFA in Integrative Media and Spatial Arts, with a focus in painting and spatial arts. The university’s student newspaper, The Northerner, reported the award on June 4. Friends, family and staff filled the room, and by the paper’s account it was standing room only.
NKU president Cady Short-Thompson spoke. She called Foust a “remarkable person and talented artist who embodied the true essence of an NKU student and School of the Arts creator.” Then she added: “We are all heartbroken, crestfallen at this tragic loss of one of our precious students, and I know so many in this room are grieving this evening.”
Foust’s sister Lindsey thanked the crowd and the university for “making the space for all of us to celebrate the life of a very beautiful soul.” Several professors praised Foust’s creativity. Foust’s artwork was displayed around the venue.
The search
Foust, a transgender student, went missing on April 27 while walking through the Latonia neighbourhood of Covington, Kentucky. Friends and family found the phone and car left behind after Foust missed class. Drones, K9 units and water rescue teams joined the search.
An independently organised search party found Foust’s body on May 24 near an industrial area in Wilder, across the Licking River from where Foust was last seen. Covington police said there were “currently no indications of foul play.” The cause and manner of death are still waiting on a coroner’s report.
Remembered beyond campus
Foust was also a singer and songwriter who played piano and guitar. In late May, the Cincinnati Art Museum showed Foust’s work at its “Art After Dark” program, with proceeds going to a scholarship fund in Foust’s name. Around 150 people gathered on the lawn of the nonprofit Transform Cincy in May for music, art and spoken tributes.
“He really just brightened up the room every time he came around,” friend Taylor Selman told a local ABC station.
One Meal Train fundraiser for the scholarship fund had reached nearly $30,000.
Anyone in the US affected by this story can call or text 988, or text MHA to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line.
Sources
- Trans student Murry Foust awarded degree after being found dead
- Trans student Murry Foust receives posthumous arts degree at memorial
