University awards trans student Murry Foust posthumous arts degree at memorial

Northern Kentucky University has awarded Murry Foust, the trans student who was found dead after almost a month of searching, a posthumous arts degree at their memorial service.

The news comes following a report in the university’s online student newspaper, The Northerner, on 4 June. Foust, who was 22 years old at the time of their death, received a BFA Integrative Media and Spatial Arts degree with a focus in painting and spatial arts.

The memorial took place on campus on 3 June and welcomed friends, family and members of staff to mourn Foust’s passing and share memories of the beloved student.

Foust went missing on 27 April while walking through Covington’s Latonia neighbourhood. Friends and family had spent weeks searching for them after Foust failed to arrive at class, leaving behind their phone and car.

Authorities deployed drones, K9 units and water rescue teams as the search intensified, while loved ones shared information and updates online.

Covington Police Department confirmed on 24 May that Foust’s body was discovered by an independently organised search party near an industrial area in Wilder, Kentucky, across the Licking River from where they were last seen.

Police said there are “currently no indications of foul play,” though the official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined pending a coroner’s report. Foust was due to graduate with their cohort on 8 May.

NKU president Cady Short-Thompson spoke at the memorial service and described Foust as a “remarkable person and talented artist who embodied the true essence of an NKU student and School of the Arts creator.”

“I am deeply honored to join this community to celebrate Murry Foust, a beloved student and NKU graduate who is gone much too soon,” she continued.

“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.”

Artwork created by Foust was displayed throughout the memorial’s venue. As well as creating art, Foust was also a singer and songwriter, and played both piano and guitar.

“Simply put, Murry was dedicated to sharing art with this world, and we are better for it,” said Short-Thompson.

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