Entrepreneur Honors Brother with CASNR Scholarship
by Kacey Herndon

For some, the memory of a loved one is cherished deep in the heart, reminisced about with family and friends, never forgotten. For others, memories move them to action.

Mike Murphy, owner of M&M Energy in Edmond, Okla., has acted upon his desire to honor his older brother, Jesse Murphy, by establishing a scholarship fund at Oklahoma State University.

"Jesse had a love for the school and for the animal science department," Murphy said. "Helping students each year will be an honor in his memory."

Jesse Murphy was a student at OSU and worked for the animal science department when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, Specialist 4th Class, in 1967 during the Vietnam War. The 21-year-old was born July 8, 1947, and died March 30, 1968, while serving in the line of duty.

"Jesse was one who would have volunteered," said long-time family friend Ed Long. "He was a real hard-working guy."

An animal science major, Jesse Murphy worked at the OSU Beef Barn to earn money for school.

"Jesse's love for agriculture and love for the animal science department is what enticed Mike to establish the endowment," Long said.

As a young high school student, Mike Murphy lost his mother, father and brother within six months.

He was left as the sole recipient of his brother's life insurance policy. The $25,000 life insurance policy and 160 acres of land left by his parents were what Mike Murphy had to support himself.

The rising businessman decided to make what he had into more.

Mike Murphy, along with Elmo Castle, his local agricultural instructor, headed to a farm auction. At age 16, he bid on the farm with his inheritance money. He won the bid and left with the farm in his possession.

Mike Murphy knew of his brother's love for agriculture, so buying the farm meant not only giving something back to Jesse but also gaining a new life and a way to support himself and his future family.

With the inheritance money, Mike Murphy overcame some of the challenges and obstacles that came along with losing a family.

Setting up a scholarship fund in the name of his brother is just one way Mike Murphy can honor his brother. He wanted to give others the opportunity to succeed, just as Jesse Murphy did for him.

The Jesse Murphy Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established for a student who has the desire to go to OSU and earn a degree in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

"This year's recipient will receive $1,000, and each year the endowment will grow by $1,000 to provide future scholarships," Murphy said.

The student must have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

"Above all, the student must have an attitude to learn and to strive to do his or her best," Murphy said.

Establishing a scholarship fund through OSU not only honors a loved one but also gives students who have had to overcome obstacles of their own the opportunity to learn, achieve and succeed.

OSU Foundation scholarship endowments can be established with a single cash gift, securities or other property. They also may be funded with a series of gifts made over time.

Donors can establish annually funded scholarships, an annual gift in any amount that is funded each year. Donors can specify the college or department that will receive their gift or donation. The OSU Foundation recognizes its donors through memberships in the following gift clubs:

• The OSU President's Club Gold, $5,000 or more annually;

• The OSU President's Club Silver, $2,500 or more annually;

• The OSU President's Club Bronze, $1,000 or more annually;

• The University 500 Club, $500 or more annually; and

• The Century Club, $100 or more annually.

The OSU President's Club is the highest level of recognition a donor can receive for annual giving. To become a member of the President's Club, a minimum of $1,000 must be donated each year to support OSU.

Annual memberships in the gift clubs run from July 1 through June 30 of each year. A membership may be held by an individual or a couple; it also can be held anonymously.

Donors have the option to establish an endowed scholarship fund, like Mike Murphy did. Endowed scholarships provide continued assistance to OSU students.

The minimum amount of an endowed scholarship is $10,000. This scholarship may be named either to honor the donor or another person of the donor's choice. When an endowed scholarship fund is established, the principal of the endowment is never spent to ensure an enduring tribute to the person for whom the scholarship is named.

An enduring tribute will forever be given to Jesse Murphy. Not only will his life be celebrated and remembered by Mike Murphy but also by the students who will benefit from the opportunity given to them.

 

For more information regarding scholarship donations, call the OSU Foundation toll free at (800) 622-4678 or at (405) 385-5100. Visit the Foundation's Web site at www.osuf.org.