Donor Spotlight

Murphy Scholarship Supports a New Generation of Leaders

For The Honorable William H. Murphy, Jr., Class of 1969 and William H. Murphy, III, a member of the law school's Board of Visitors, creation of The Honorable William H. and Madeline W. Murphy Scholarship Fund is a way to honor the legacy of their parents and grandparents, respectively. The Fund provides scholarships for students who exhibit academic excellence and are active in student organizations that celebrate and promote diversity, helping develop a new generation of leaders who will work and serve as the Murphys did.

"My son Hassan and I wanted to honor the wonderful legacy of my mother, Madeline, and my father, Judge William H. Murphy, Sr., by stimulating a legacy of excellence with this merit scholarship," said Mr. Murphy.

Community activist and judge, William H. Murphy, Sr. was a progressive force in Maryland who dedicated his life to upholding the rights of the underprivileged. A member of the Class of 1946, Judge Murphy was the third African-American student to enroll at the School of Law. After many years in private practice, he won a seat on the Maryland District Court. His wife, Madeline, was a woman of courage and conviction who devoted herself to improving the political, social and educational opportunities in her community. During her sixty years in Baltimore, she led and participated in numerous community organizations.

"We are deeply honored that the legacy of William and Madeline Murphy is part of this law school. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy's life of service and commitment is an enduring example to our students," says Assistant Dean for Institutional Advancement Teresa K. LaMaster ´95.

The first Murphy Scholarship to be awarded to an incoming student is first-year student Michele Bradley. A graduate of Spelman College, Bradley has worked as an intern for the Washington, DC, Public Defender Service and as a legislative intern for the Congressional Black Caucus.

"Receiving the Murphy Scholarship is a tremendous honor. The example of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy is a tremendous inspiration, and the support that the scholarship provides will enable me to emulate their legacy by pursuing a career of public service," she says.