October 28, 2008
We are all teachers; we are all learners. Whether we realize it or not, everyone with whom we come in contact with is our mentor in some way. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, John R. Murphy was honored for his commitment to Penn State Wilkes-Barre. One alumnus in particular, Richard J. Barry, felt his life was changed so much by Murphy, that he made it possible through a donation for a building to be renovated and named in the honor of his mentor. Murphy, now retired, was the Director of Student and Enrollment Services at the Wilkes-Barre campus. "This is truly a remarkable day, where a middle-class Irish kid from Bridgeport, Connecticut can be honored in this way," said Murphy. "It seems unfair that a person gets to do a job they dearly love, and then to get this type of recognition for it. Thank you Penn State for giving me the chance to be part of something so wonderful. To be honored by a student is the highest recognition I could ask for," Murphy said.
Dr. Charles H. Davis, chancellor of Penn State Wilkes-Barre, initially explained to an overflow audience that, "Seven months ago, we were able to dedicate the new Abram Nesbitt, III Academic Commons. At that time, we were able to relocate the Nesbitt Library to the new building. This gave us an opportunity to fulfill a vision that was student focused. The new John R. Murphy Student Services Center will enable us to provide more to our students. The Murphy Student Services Center will provide services to students from the time they apply to this campus, to the date they graduate." The offices that will be located in the Murphy building are: Academic Advising, Admissions, Career Services, Disability Services, Financial Aid, the Learning Center, the Campus Photo I.D. Center, the Registrar and Student Support Services.
Following an indoor dedication, audience members were treated to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as a reception honoring John R. Murphy. Guests were also able to tour the facility and experience the design benefits of the new building.
For information contact the Public Information Office at 675-9269 or e-mail Mark Gregorio at [email protected].