Outstanding Graduate Student: Justine Murray, School of Public Affairs

Justine Murray has been selected as the Outstanding Graduate Student of Criminal Justice and Criminology from the School of Public Affairs. Murry is a well-rounded and driven student whose passion for local government pushed her to achieve great things at SDSU.

As a master's student, Murray faced the difficulties of trying to finish her master's program while pursuing her career in government. Juggling these responsibilities forced her to be adaptive, but her passion for helping others and bettering her community allowed her to conquer every challenge thrown her way.

Referring to the challenges she faced as a full-time student and government employee Murray said, “Simply trying to balance a career in government while finishing this program was a huge hurdle. It taught me that for those who work in government or in this industry, continual learning is important.” 

Murray’s curiosity about how our systems work pushed her to become a lifelong learner. She understands that interpersonal relations, whether in government or in general, are the driving force in any society. Relationships are always evolving, and to succeed as a representative, Murray strives to do all she can to understand these complex ties.

“Understanding why and how people in places of power and people in the community operate, is essential to the success of public programs and policies,” said Murray.

She is on the path to becoming the best public servant that she can be and it is her love for learning and passion for community building that will lead to to success.