NOTE: Appreciation extended to KNOE-TV 8 to allow Jackson Parish Journal to reprint and provide link of news segment broadcast on Thursday, July 3.
(by: Mallory West – KNOE-TV)
The University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM) received a new pharmacy scholarship on Thursday, July 3rd. The Murphy Family, natives of Jonesboro, LA, has created an endowed scholarship for the pharmacy program at ULM in hopes of changing the lives of pharmacy students.
Tom Deckle “Doc” Murphy grew up working in Scroggins Pharmacy in Jonesboro. Decades later his family is solidifying his legacy by passing on to others an honor they say he’s more than deserving of.
“He was a great person. A giving person,” said son, Shawn Murphy, owner and operator of State Farm Insurance in Jonesboro. “He would give anybody the shirt off his back.”
Daughter Shana Murphy Prejean added “He didn’t just reach for the stars, he was a star to us. A very bright and wonderful star.”
Murphy retired at the age of 35 before passing away in 1985 at the age of 48, which for his family, still feels like yesterday.
“It’s pretty hard thinking about it,” said son Tom Murphy. “It still feels like something we just recently dealt with.”
The family pooled together $60,000.00 for the T.D. “Doc” Murphy endowed superior graduate scholarship which they say is a blessing in disguise.
“It’s been a great experience,” said Shawn Murphy. “As good as this is for the university, it’s even better for us.”
The recipient of the first scholarship is Joy Falohan, an international student from Nigeria who said he’s excited to carry on Doc’s legacy.
“I am just more dedicated to make proud of his legacy and sharing my goals and dreams,” said Falohan.
Since this is an endowed scholarship, the funds will continue to gain interest and be available for students for generations to come.
“This public / private association we have with the Board of Regents allows ordinary people like us to do extraordinary things like this,” concluded Shawn.
To see the entire segment that was aired by KNOE-TV 8 click here.