FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2025
36th Annual DMSF Golf Classic Raises Record-Breaking $3.19 Million for Murphy Scholars
Record-Breaking Event Draws 532 Golfers, 80+ Murphy Caddies, and 55 Sponsors Across Seven Courses for Education Access
CHICAGO, IL — The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) proudly announces the resounding success of its 36th Annual Golf Classic, which raised a record-breaking $3.19 million in support of Murphy Scholars—high-achieving high school students from under-resourced communities across the Chicago area and Lake County.
Held across seven premier North Shore golf courses, the event welcomed 532 golfers, 80+ Murphy Caddies, and 55 corporate and community sponsors, all uniting to champion educational equity and opportunity for Murphy Scholars.
In the evening, guests gathered at Exmoor Country Club for a celebratory dinner and program that highlighted our impact and reminded us why we do this work. Guests were moved by recent graduate Zariyah Lemon (St. Laurence High School, Class of 2025), who delivered an inspiring speech about the profound impact DMSF has had on her journey—sharing her excitement as she prepares to attend the University of Michigan this fall as an Evans Scholar, where she will study computer science. A highlight of the event was a record-setting $901,500 paddle raise, led by Murphy Alum Mario Rodriguez (Culver Academies, Class of 2020; Northwestern University, 2024), underscoring the lasting legacy of DMSF and the power of alumni leadership.
“These dollars directly support more than 500 Murphy Scholars annually, ensuring access to transformative educational experiences, robust programming, and college opportunities,” said Cindy Hallums, Chief Executive Officer of DMSF. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this possible—from our golfers and sponsors to the extended DMSF family who cheered us on from afar.”
The event also featured DMSF’s new mission video highlighting the journey of Murphy Alum Vernard Lockhart (Concord Academy, Class of 2004; Lake Forest College, Class of 2008), whose story captures the life-changing effect of the DMSF community.
- Watch the mission video here: DMSF: More Than a Scholarship
- View event photos here
With over three decades of tradition, the DMSF Golf Classic continues to be one of the largest charity golf outings in the country, bringing together civic and business leaders to invest in our city’s future leaders.
Save the date: The 37th Annual DMSF Golf Classic will take place on June 1, 2026.
To learn more or make a gift in support of Murphy Scholars, visit www.dmsf.org.
Media Contact:
Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
Jessica Ayala
Director of Marketing & Communications, Murphy Alumna ‘13
(312) 455-7808
jessica@dmsf.org
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About the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) provides high school scholarships and educational support to students from under-resourced neighborhoods in the Chicago area. Currently, DMSF supports 496 Scholars attending over 80 top day and boarding high schools across the city and country. Each year, the organization awards approximately 150 new scholarships to eighth-grade students, 72% of whom are first-generation college-bound, with a median family income of $40,900. Murphy Scholars maintain an average 3.5 GPA, reflecting their dedication and academic potential.
DMSF has supported more than 2,400 Alumni and continues to build a strong community rooted in access, mentorship, and long-term success. Its signature fundraiser, the DMSF Golf Classic, has collectively raised over $41.3 million to fuel the mission and help close the opportunity gap for Chicago area youth.
Learn more at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
