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Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
Jessica Ayala
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DMSF Appoints Rocky Lopez as First Murphy Alum Chair, Marking Historic Leadership Milestone
Longtime Board Member and Finance Leader Brings Alumni Perspective to DMSF’s Future
Chicago, IL — The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) is proud to announce the appointment of Rocky Lopez, Murphy Scholar Class of 1999, as Chair of the Board of Directors, marking a historic first for the organization. Rocky becomes the first Murphy Alum to hold this role, a milestone that reflects both his personal journey and the enduring power of DMSF’s mission.
Rocky’s personal growth has been one DMSF has admired. At Culver Academies, Rocky honed his leadership and community values, later earning a BBA in Finance & Accounting from Emory University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He currently holds the role of Principal & Chief Financial Officer at The Randolph Group, a private family investment holding company.
Rocky’s connection to DMSF has remained steadfast. From his early days on the Associate Board in 2007 to his appointment to the full Board in 2011 and the Executive Committee in 2014, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction. Cindy Hallums, DMSF’s CEO, shares, “Rocky’s appointment as Chair is a historic and inspiring moment for DMSF. As a Murphy Alum himself, he embodies the transformative power of our mission, and his leadership, vision, and dedication to giving back set a powerful example for our Scholars and Alumni alike. We are thrilled to have Rocky guide our Board as we continue to expand opportunities for future generations.” Rocky has helped steward DMSF’s resources with integrity and vision. Now, Board Chair, Rocky brings a full-circle perspective to the role.
“It is an incredible honor to step into the role of Chair at DMSF, an organization that forever changed the trajectory of my life. Thirty years ago, receiving my acceptance to Culver Academy through DMSF opened doors I could not have imagined at the time. To now serve as Chairperson is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am excited to give back to the organization that gave me so much and help ensure that future generations of scholars have the same life-changing opportunities,” Rocky shares.
DMSF celebrates Rocky’s leadership and commitment to DMSF, and looks forward to the continued impact of Alumni who, like him, reach back to uplift Scholars after them and serves as an example for what it means to be a ‘Murphy Scholar for life’.
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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 509 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 coming from families with a median income of $41,055. 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.
Learn more at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
