Photo: close-up of a poster for the retirement service, featuring a portrait of Dr. Harvey McMurray
Wilmette Institute
In an event filled with gratitude and celebration, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) ensured that the retirement of Dr. McMurray, a beloved professor, scholar, and leader in the Department of Criminal Justice, did not go unnoticed. On November 16, 2024, the NCCU community gathered to honor Dr. McMurray’s extraordinary 37-year career dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service.
The celebration brought together a diverse group of attendees, including administrators, faculty, current and former students, staff, longtime friends, members of the Bahá’í community, and representatives from the Wilmette Institute. The atmosphere was one of unity and appreciation, as stories and tributes highlighted the profound impact Dr. McMurray had made both within and beyond the university.
A Life of Impact and Service
The event’s planning committee meticulously curated the program to reflect Dr. McMurray’s remarkable journey. Chancellor Dixon opened the celebration with heartfelt remarks, setting the tone for a series of tributes that illuminated his legacy. Family members and friends praised his unwavering commitment to service, while former students shared transformative stories of mentorship that had propelled them to achieve professional and personal success.
NCCU colleagues and Bahá’í community members, including Dr. Billy Roberts and Dr. Robert James Jr., spoke passionately about Dr. McMurray’s integrity and dedication. Dr. Chitra Golestani of the Wilmette Institute commended his ability to “mine gems of inestimable value” in those around him, whether working at the grassroots level or on the global stage.
A Musical Tribute and Deepened Connections
Adding a soulful dimension to the occasion, the One Human Choir moved the audience with their melodious renditions of Baha’i passages such as “Let All Associate in This Human Garden” and “Is There Any Remover of Difficulties.” Their performance encapsulated the spirit of unity and love that Dr. McMurray consistently embodies.
The celebration extended beyond the formal event. The following day, Jeff Albert from the Bahá’í Office of Education and Schools, alongside Chitra Golestani, joined the McMurray family for a visit that deepened bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
Photo: From left to right–Mahtaj James, Bob James, Jeff Albert, Harvey McMurray, and Chitra Golestani.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. McMurray’s retirement marks the culmination of nearly four decades of unwavering dedication to NCCU and its students. His influence as a mentor, scholar, and leader will continue to resonate through the lives of those he has touched and the institutions he has served. As the NCCU community bid farewell, the warmth and admiration in the room made it clear: Dr. McMurray’s legacy is one of inspiration, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others. He continues to serve NCCU and the Wilmette Institute with this vision and knowledge. In 2025, Wilmette Institute will be offering a graduate-level course in the Department of Criminal Justice in the Spring, and another course in the Fall for undergraduate students. WI and NCCU are looking forward to collaborating on various efforts including coursework, research, and student engagement.
