You could often find Lawson Murdock, a third-year NKU finance major, listening to country music.

Friends remember Murdock, who died Feb. 20, for his particular interest in Morgan Wallen.

“I remember one night his friends were flipping through a bunch of Morgan Wallen songs, and Lawson could identify every song just from hearing the first two seconds,” said Maddy Del Rio, a senior secondary English education major.

Del Rio met Murdock in the summer of 2022, and she recalled the special moments of the start of her friendship with him during that summer.

“We had a lot of fun that summer playing games after work or grilling hot dogs by the pool,” she said. 

She added what it was like to call Murdock a friend. 

“He was very kind and funny, and everyone just loved spending time with him,” Del Rio said. “He was so genuine and easy to talk to. We became friends immediately and I felt like I could talk to him about anything.” 

Associate professor of finance Sharif Mazumder, who had Murdock in two of his classes, noted Murdock’s kindness to others. 

“Lawson was a very good NKU citizen,” Mazumder said. “He was so loving, caring and respectful to his classmates and to his professors.”

Mazumder also added how great of a student Murdock was in his classes.

“He was very active. And most importantly, he was a good student,” Mazumder said. “He was very responsive. He tried to overcome his limitations and he was never shy.” 

In a university-wide statement by NKU President Cady Short-Thompson, she added that Murdock will be remembered for his affectionate and friendly personality.

“Lawson was a beloved son, brother, friend and classmate. His professors describe him as an excellent student who was very engaged in class and who always had a positive attitude.  Lawson will be remembered for his radiant smile and joyful laughter, which illuminated the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the statement said. 

Del Rio described the impact he had on her as her friend.

“I think it’s rare to find friends like Lawson, someone who is so full of love and joy. He was such a blessing to everyone who knew him, and I’m grateful to have called him a friend even for a short time,” she said. 

*Editor’s note—If you are struggling with your mental health, please call NKU’s Health, Counseling and Student Wellness counselors and support services at 859-572-5650. You can also call the 24/7 hour crisis line at 859-572-7777, or the national crisis line by calling 1-800-784-2433 or by texting 741741.