When Jared T. Murray started looking at colleges, he knew he wasn’t interested in going to a big state school. At CBU, he found the size and atmosphere he was seeking for his post-secondary education.

“I was looking for schools where I wouldn’t just be a number,” he said. “I liked that CBU had a small community of nice people. I went to several of the outreach events on campus and fell in love with it. I even made friends before enrolling.”

Born in Florida but raised in New York, Jared and his family moved to Memphis in 2019. He and his siblings were homeschooled, and their mother ensured they had ample opportunities to socialize with other kids through group learning and field trips. 

Once Jared knew he was interested in CBU, he explored scholarship opportunities. When he received the highly competitive full-tuition, four-year Leadership Scholarship, he locked in and was ready to head to East Parkway.

Currently a computer science major with plans to possibly switch to business, Jared is not only a freshman member of the Class of 2029 who plays the bass drum in a band but also an entrepreneur with a baked goods business called Jared’s Delights.

“Way back in the day, my family and I were invited to a couple of church gatherings around the holidays,” Jared said. “We wanted to bring something, and I put myself in charge of cookies. That’s how things got started. I like making people happy and making a little bit of profit on the side.”

Those looking to purchase sweet treats from Jared’s Delights are encouraged to find Jared on campus or reach out via his Instagram. Pro tip … the key lime pie received his “grandma’s seal of approval,” which Jared confirmed “is one of the highest honors a man like me can achieve.”

Jared lives on campus and delights in the fact that it only takes him 5 minutes to get to any of his classes. His resident assistant (RA) Laylah Bass said Jared is a great addition to the dorm and “uses his talent for creating sweets to foster meaningful connections among people.” 

“His delightful treats brighten campus life, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for friendships,” she added. “Whether he’s sharing desserts at events or surprising friends with freshly made goodies, Jared prepares a sense of warmth and togetherness that enhances the entire campus.”

Along with his studies, band and baking, Jared enjoys being immersed in CBU’s culture of Lasallian values, noting the kindness and respect for others he experiences.

“My RAs are really nice,” he said. “They are always reminding me about free tutoring or stuff going on in general. Math lab is a literal lifesaver. You can catch me in there. They provide tutoring, and other students are in there working on the same problems you are. Plus, the math and computer science professors are there, too. Dr. Wendy Davis’s office is in there. Across the hall is Dr. [Alexander] Happ. If you need help, they’re going to help you. If you look around, there are resources everywhere.”