Dr. Beth Murphy Scholarship Fully Funded 

We are thrilled to announce that the Dr. Beth Murphy Endowed Scholarship has been fully funded! This milestone honors the incredible legacy of Dr. Beth Murphy, who dedicated five decades to teaching biology and chemistry at Phillips University. Her passion for science and unwavering commitment to her students shaped generations of scholars, professionals, and leaders.

Thanks to an estate gift from Dr. Murphy, the generosity of alumni, former students, and other stakeholders—and a remarkable $75,000 matching gift from Michael ’72/’76 and Suanne (Brown) ’75 Yarbrough —we have surpassed our goal. Together, alumni and donors raised $226,000, ensuring that Dr. Murphy’s influence will continue for years to come through Legacy Scholars majoring in any STEM program.

This endowed scholarship will provide an annual award of $9,500 to a deserving Phillips University Legacy Scholar starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, supporting students who embody the values Dr. Murphy championed: academic excellence, integrity, perseverance and most of all – a love for science.

Learn more about the PU Legacy Scholars Program and get to know this year’s entering cohort of new scholars.

“Dr. Murphy believed in the mission of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation and supported it wholeheartedly during her life. Now, we have the opportunity to honor her by giving back and ensuring that her impact lives on in a new generation of students pursuing health sciences.”

Why It Matters:  For over 20 years, we’ve honored the legacy of the university through developing leaders who will transform the world through providing scholarships and leadership development that transforms individuals, campuses and communities, much like Dr. Murphy did herself. The Undergraduate Legacy Scholars program provides critical support to students seeking an education much like what Phillips University provided for almost 100 years.

Our Progress: We are excited to share that we have already raised over $75,000! We are already over a quarter of the way to our goal! Your support can help us raise the additional funds needed to fully fund this endeavor and make the Dr. Beth Murphy Endowed Scholarship a reality.

Make An Impact: Were you a student in one of Dr. Murphy’s classes? Did she make an impact on your life, your career, or your love for science? Now is the time to give back and help her legacy live on through future generations of students. Please consider making a donation today to help us reach our goal. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to preserving Dr. Murphy’s legacy and making a difference in the lives of future Phillips University students.

Continue Dr. Murphy’s Legacy By Making a Gift
“Together, we can create something truly special that will benefit future students and carry forward the values she instilled in all of us.”

Our goal is to have all gifts and pledges in place by May 31, 2025.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.pulf.org or contact J. Gottman, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement.