Hill-Murray Pioneer Hockey: Bill Murray Pioneer Hockey

School changes name to Bill Murray
April 1, 2008

Hill-Murray will formally change its name to Bill Murray High School, school president Joseph Peschges has announced. The gesture comes in response to a large monetary donation from the popular comedian and actor, nearly 50 years after the school was originally named for James J. Hill and Archbishop John Murray.

Bill Murray came to make a contribution after contacts with school alumni who work for the St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team for which Murray is part owner. Though the exact amount of the donation has not been disclosed, it is reputedly large enough to fund a number of much-needed capital improvements, including a new hockey arena to be located on campus.

"It's not just about the money," Peschges said. "We feel that Bill Murray is more emblematic of our vision for the school going forward. If people remember James J. Hill, they remember him as a shrewd capitalist who sought to monopolize railroads in the late 19th century. Bill Murray is an inspirational figure who will be much more recognizable to our current students."

"Another plus is the continuity with our previous name, which sounds very similar. To update our signage and letterheads, all we need to do is change one letter."

School officials announced that in keeping with tradition, the school's nickname will remain "Pioneers" and the school colors will still be green, black, and white. The name change will become effective for the 2008-09 school year...