DMSF Celebrates 35 Years of Murphy Scholars and Raises Over $1.65M at the Ignite Potential Gala9/25/2024
DMSF Celebrates 35 Years of Murphy Scholars and Raises Over $1.65M at the Ignite Potential Gala Unveiling Dreams and Honoring Steve Elkins with the Catalyst Award  Chicago, IL – The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) marked a significant milestone with the 35th Anniversary Ignite Potential Gala, celebrating three and a half decades of transforming lives through education. The event, themed "Unveiling Dreams," brought together a remarkable community of supporters, alumni, and educators, all united by the shared vision of providing access to the best educational opportunities for students from under resourced communities. Link to Event Photos here. Link to our Scholar Impact and Honoree videos played at the Gala here.
Held at The Geraghty, the gala was a night to remember, with over 480 supporters, including over 100 Murphy Scholars and Alums who have benefited from the program in attendance. Together, the community helped raise over $1.65 million, funds that will continue to unlock the dreams of Murphy Scholars, supporting their journey from high school to college and beyond. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Catalyst Award to Steve Elkins, a dedicated advocate, mentor, and champion of Murphy Scholars for over 34 years. His unwavering leadership, generosity, and commitment to ensuring Scholars have the resources and support they need to succeed truly embody the spirit of DMSF’s mission. Additionally, Lindy and Mike Keiser, longtime supporters, contributed to the evening’s success by providing a $100,000 match, doubling the impact of donations to support Murphy Scholars and their bright futures.
The success of the Ignite Potential Gala is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the DMSF community. From the educators and mentors to the generous donors and volunteers, it takes a village to provide the resources that allow so many families to give their children access to the best education possible. Over the past 35 years, DMSF has supported more than 2,300 Scholars, contributing to the development of promising futures and strong communities. “As DMSF looks to the future, we remain committed to continuing to provide life-changing educational opportunities to more deserving students. The generosity of those who attended and supported the gala ensures that we can continue unveiling dreams and changing lives for many years to come,” shares Cindy Hallums, Chief Executive Officer of DMSF. For more information about the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund or to get involved, please visit www.dmsf.org and follow us on social @MurphyScholars. About DMSF: About the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund The mission of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund is to unlock educational opportunities for talented Chicago-area students facing financial need. DMSF partners with Scholars, families and schools through high school and beyond by providing scholarships, academic programs, and personal support so each Scholar can reach their potential. Today, DMSF serves 496 Scholars and offers 150 new scholarships to 8th grade students each year. Those students attend roughly 40 different parochial and independent day schools in the Chicago area and 40 boarding schools from coast to coast. To date, DMSF has awarded scholarships to over 2,300 Scholars, allowing them to attend college preparatory high schools and matriculate to college. The median family annual income of Murphy families is $40.9K, and 72% of the recent graduating Class of 2024 are first-generation students, the first in their families to graduate college. DMSF has been serving Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods for 35 years and continues to carry its mission forward thanks to the supporters, staff, volunteer leadership, school partners and high-achieving Murphy Scholars. For more information on DMSF’s impact and ways to get involved, please visit DMSF’s website at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Facebook or Instagram. Media Contact:
Jessica Ayala Director of Marketing & Communications Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund [email protected] 312-455-7808 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund Jessica Ayala Manager of Marketing & Communications (312) 455-7808 [email protected] Chicago Financial Advisor Earns National Recognition for PhilanthropySteve Elkins is a Finalist in the 2024 Invest in Others Awards
Chicago, Illinois – July 2024 – Steve Elkins, Partner and Wealth Advisor at William Blair in Chicago, is one of three national finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 18th Annual Invest in Others Awards for his philanthropic contributions to the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF). The Invest in Others Award recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors in communities across the country and around the world. Invest in Others received hundreds of nominations this year and finalists were selected based on their leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration, and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Nominations were blindly reviewed by a diverse panel of leaders in the financial services industry. Since its founding in 1989, DMSF has been providing educational opportunities to students from under-resourced communities, helping them realize their full potential through a high school scholarship, mentorship, and programmatic support. Over the past 35 years, DMSF has awarded scholarships to more than 3,400 students, paving the way for their academic success and personal growth. Cindy Hallums, Chief Executive Officer at DMSF, shares, “Steve has been an integral and engaged member of our community for over 34 years as a Board Member, volunteer, mentor and donor. Steve has changed countless Scholars' lives and we are so incredibly grateful for his dedication, passion and support of our mission.” The Invest in Others Awards will be presented on September 19 in Boston in the following categories: Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Volunteer of the Year. About DMSF: About the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund The mission of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund is to unlock educational opportunities for talented Chicago-area students facing financial need. DMSF partners with Scholars, families and schools through high school and beyond by providing scholarships, academic programs, and personal support so each Scholar can reach their potential. Today, DMSF serves 515 Scholars and offers 150 new scholarships to 8th grade students each year. Those students attend roughly 40 different parochial and independent day schools in the Chicago area and 40 boarding schools from coast to coast. To date, DMSF has awarded scholarships to over 2,300 Scholars, allowing them to attend college preparatory high schools and matriculate to college. The median family annual income of Murphy families is currently $37,800, and nearly 70% of the Scholars are first-generation students, the first in their families to graduate college. DMSF has been serving Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods for nearly 35 years and continues to carry its mission forward thanks to the supporters, staff, volunteer leadership, and high-achieving Murphy Scholars. For more information on DMSF’s impact on the community and ways to get involved, please visit DMSF’s website at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Facebook or Instagram. About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation aims to amplify, celebrate, and inspire the charitable work of the financial services community. Invest in Others is a catalyst to channel philanthropy and volunteerism to where it is needed most. For more information, visit investinothers.org or follow Invest in Others on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Q: What inspired you to bring the first “Project Prom” to DMSF? A: The inspiration came from my senior year at McAuley. Tuition had increased significantly, adding financial strain to my mom, a single parent of four. When prom season arrived, it was stressful due to tuition deadlines and other expenses. McAuley had a dress drive, which helped a bit, but the dresses still cost something. I thought a DMSF dress drive should be free. We were getting many requests for financial assistance from seniors who couldn’t buy prom tickets due to outstanding balances, and it reminded me of my own struggles. I know how it feels to want to take some of the burden off of your parents when you know that they're doing everything that they can. Prom is supposed to be fun. Q: That's very thoughtful. How did you envision the Project Prom event? A: I wanted it to be a personal shopping experience, like a boutique. There would be snacks, drinks, shoes, purses, jewelry, and dressing rooms. I aimed for it to be fun, not something they felt they had to do out of necessity. My vision was for the girls to find everything they needed for prom without any stress.
Q: Given your experience, what impact does attending prom have on a scholar’s high school experience? A: Prom is a rite of passage. It’s a celebration of all the hard work and accomplishments over the past four years. For me, it was the reward at the end of my journey, kind of just like a big celebration for me. Like everything that I had been working for for the past four years, I had accomplished and prom was my celebration. I didn’t want the girls to have to choose between paying tuition or going to prom. Everyone should experience that special moment. Q: What did it take to put together Project Prom? A: It took a dedicated team. Even though I came up with the idea, I needed a lot of help. Planning events isn’t our main job; my role is to coordinate with partner schools, families, and scholars. Despite the extra work, everyone recognized the need and was willing to contribute. What was unique is that we all recognized the need and recognized that this was something our Scholars would really enjoy and we were willing to take on that extra amount of work for them. And I just think that speaks to how we function as an organization. I think that really showed how we could come together. We got the word out quickly through emails to Alumni, our Associate Board, and social media. We received so many generous donations, particularly from one alum who helped us purchase 40 items, including dresses and accessories. We give to organizations and sometimes we don't understand what we're giving to, but I think when people were giving to Project Prom, all girls could relate to that prom feeling of like, you should go to prom and you should be able to look and feel beautiful and confident. So I think that also really is what helped it be a success too. It’s because it was something that touched every woman that donated. Q: What was the most rewarding part of the event for you? A: Everybody left with something, nobody left empty handed. So I think that was great. And also one thing that I didn't expect was the gratitude from the parents. I think that impacted me a lot because I know the gratitude my mom felt when I was able to do something to help her. I think that I want that again next year. I want the parents to feel like one less thing they have to worry about. I want them to feel that excitement just like their child.
Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next Project Prom? A: I want it to be bigger and better. Many boys have never worn a suit or tux before prom, so providing those items would be great. I'm thinking about maybe having volunteers who do makeup or hair, coming and just showing the girls how they could do their makeup or giving them tips, how they could get their hair done and things like that. I just want it to be something that the Scholars look forward to toward the end of the year. I want them to not be stressing about prom because DMSF has this event where nine times outta 10 you're gonna be able to find a dress, you're gonna be able to find shoes or accessories and or a tux or suit. One less thing for you and your parents to worry about. The goal is for every Scholar to walk away with something they love and feel confident in.
Thank you, Jamia, for sharing your story and for your incredible work with Project Prom. We look forward to seeing this event grow even bigger and better next year!
It was this dedication to education that served as the impetus for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund. Established in 1989, just a year after Danny's untimely passing at the age of 61, the fund aimed to honor his legacy by providing opportunities for deserving students with financial need to pursue higher education. Gathered in a conference room with ten like-minded individuals, including Bob and Jim Murphy, the foundation was laid for what would become a beacon of hope for countless young students. 
As Bob Murphy reflects on his father's legacy, he speaks not only of pride but of profound humility. Bob shares, "The Daniel Murphy legacy... it's larger than life. It means so much to us and the family." To see the impact of Danny's name echoed through the halls of educational institutions and the lives of scholarship recipients is evidence of his enduring spirit and the power of one man's vision.  Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund Receives Generous Grant from The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation2/8/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDaniel Murphy Scholarship Fund receives generous grant from The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation[A donation that brings the Murphy Scholars program to the Lake County area] [CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, February] – The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF), Chicago’s largest high school scholarship granting organization, is thrilled to announce a $2 million gift over four years from The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation. This gift will enable DMSF to extend our program to Lake County, enhancing educational opportunities for students in the area, mirroring the program's success in the Chicago area. DMSF, which initially launched in the Chicago area in 1989, has been highly successful in providing tuition scholarships and programmatic support to students to help them excel academically and realize their full potential in high school, college and beyond. With over 500 Murphy Scholars across 87 partner high schools, our Scholars excel and graduate from high school, attend and graduate from college at a rate nearly twice the national average - 87% are on track to graduate within six years. Murphy Scholars are Scholars for life, and they give back to DMSF as donors, mentors, volunteers and champions of the organization’s mission. Through this partnership, DMSF and The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation will bring that same opportunity, excitement, and promise to a new group of students in Lake County. Cindy Hallums, Executive Director at DMSF, shares, "The expansion of the Murphy Scholar program to Lake County aligns with our commitment to breaking down barriers to access an excellent education and empowering students to achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful to The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation for their life-changing gift and their belief in DMSF’s mission and Murphy Scholars." The donation from The John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to invest in the education of future leaders. By helping expand the Murphy Scholar program to Lake County, the Foundation aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of students in the area, fostering a culture of academic excellence and personal development. John Schreiber, founder of the John & Kathleen Schreiber Foundation, explains, “Much of our philanthropic work is focused on breaking down barriers that can prevent the next generation of leaders from accessing a high-quality education. We’re grateful to DMSF for expanding their Murphy Scholars program to Lake County, where students with big dreams and diverse talents will leverage the strong curriculum and resources to be successful in high school, college and beyond.” After a successful recruitment process this past fall of 2023, DMSF is excited to welcome eight Murphy Scholars from Lake County to the Murphy Scholar program. About the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
The mission of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund is to give high school scholarship assistance and programmatic support to Chicago area students with financial need. Today, in its 35th anniversary year, DMSF serves over 500 Scholars and is able to offer 150 new scholarships to 8th grade students each year. Those students are attending roughly 40 different parochial and independent day schools in the Chicago area, as well as 40 boarding schools from coast to coast. DMSF has awarded scholarships to more than 2,200 Scholars, allowing them to attend college preparatory high schools and continuing on to college. The median family annual income of Murphy families is currently $37,800, and nearly 70% of the Scholars are first-generation students, the first in their families to attend and graduate college. For more information on DMSF’s impact in the community and ways to get involved during DMSF’s 35th anniversary year, please visit our website at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Instagram.  Bob and Jim Murphy watched their dad work tirelessly to be able to send them to Loyola Academy. Their lived experience planted the seed of supporting talented young people with financial support to attend the school of their choice. In honor of their dad, Daniel Murphy, Bob and Jim, along with their family and friends, launched the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) beginning with four Murphy Scholars in 1989. For the last 35 years, DMSF has unlocked the potential of over 2,300 young people in Chicago. Our Scholars come from every corner of the city and each embodies resilience, leadership and dedication - qualities that make our Scholar community so special. When we meet our Scholars during the interview process, they are 8th graders eager to take on the rigor and challenge of high school. The people we see them transform into in a four-year period and what they accomplish is remarkable! By providing access to an excellent education and supporting them on their journey, we are transforming the lives of our Scholars, families and communities. Our growth as an organization is a testament to the efficacy of our mission and the great need that continues to exist in our city. Today we support 501 Murphy Scholars who are currently enrolled in our 87 partner high schools. Recognizing the unique needs of our Scholars, we combine tuition scholarships with specialized programs to give our Scholars the academic and personal support to ensure their success in high school, college and beyond. Our model works and Murphy Scholars are thriving: 100% graduate from high school and are accepted into four-year colleges and 87% have graduated or are on track to graduate within six years!
35 years of Murphy Scholars would not have been possible without our partners and supporters, including our Scholars and families, partner schools, staff, Board Members, donors, volunteers, and feeder schools. Every person that has ever shown up for DMSF has helped us get to our 35th year and we’re thrilled to be able to continue our work of unlocking educational opportunities for talented young people! As we embark on our 35th year, we honor our past and are planning for a bright future, one filled with endless opportunities for Murphy Scholars. We remain focused on expanding our reach to serve more young people, deepening our financial and programmatic support of our Scholars, and supporting our ever-growing Murphy Alumni base to ensure their exposure to a variety of careers and matriculation to successful careers.
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