Editor’s Note
In 2004, Terakeet hired one of its first employees, Marc Murray. He quickly became an integral part of the organization and a beloved member of the team. In 2005, Marc was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the next seven years, he faced the disease with extraordinary resilience, beating it twice. In 2011, he passed away due to complications related to being immunocompromised.
Marc’s impact on Terakeet was profound and lasting. His character, optimism, and commitment to others helped shape the culture we continue to build today. When you look at our core values, you can see Marc reflected in them. His influence remains woven into how we show up for one another every day.
To carry forward his legacy, Terakeet created the Marc Murray Award. It serves as a reminder that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s day.
More than a tribute, the award is an opportunity to recognize the people around us who embody these values. It invites us to reflect on the colleagues who support, inspire, and uplift others throughout the year.
Award Process & Qualifications
The Marc Murray Award is one of Terakeet’s highest honors. It is determined through a company-wide nomination and voting process that empowers employees to recognize their peers.
During nominations, employees are asked to consider which colleagues consistently:
- Demonstrate Terakeet’s five core values
- Embody the “ultimate company person” spirit
- Take a whatever-it-takes approach
- Navigate adversity with grace
- Show genuine optimism
The top nominees advance to a final round of voting, where employees select the annual recipient.
Honoring Marc’s Legacy
The award has traditionally been announced in September, during Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. Following the ceremony, Terakeet has sponsored employee attendance at the annual Syracuse Light the Night Walk, run by Blood Cancer United.
As a fully remote company, we now come together virtually to share memories of Marc, recognize the nominees, and celebrate the honoree, while still supporting Blood Cancer United.
Each year, this moment brings us together—not only to honor one individual, but to celebrate the enduring impact Marc continues to have on our culture, our values, and one another.
