Named in honor of Walter P. Murphy, a leading Chicago industrialist in the 1930s who provided the support that helped start a school of engineering at Northwestern, the Murphy Society recognizes generous annual contributors to the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. Members make annual gifts of $1,000 or more, enabling the McCormick School to better prepare engineering students for their critical role in the 21st century.

These funds support innovative faculty and student initiated projects to improve the undergraduate experience. In the past, funds have supported curriculum innovations such as Engineering First and the Institute for Design Education and Applications (IDEA) and hands-on design projects such as the solar car competition.

One of the most rewarding benefits for members of the Murphy Society is participation in the voting process for these project proposals each year. This unique opportunity assists Dean Ottino with the decision of which worthy projects to fund. Murphy Society members are also invited to attend one of two Murphy Society selection committee meetings held each fall in Evanston and in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Give online or contact Roger Williams, the McCormick Director of Development, at r-williams7@northwestern.edu or (847) 491-4190 to find out more about how you can support the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.