Named in honor of Walter P. Murphy, a Chicago industrialist who, in the 1930s, made a transformative gift
that funded the construction of the Technological Institute, the Murphy Society recognizes donors who make
annual gifts of $1,000 or more to Northwestern Engineering. The society also extends membership to more
recent alumni who contribute at lower gift levels.
Undergraduate McCormick School of Engineering alumni who graduated within the last nine years can take
advantage of special giving rates to join the Walter P. Murphy Society. Recent alumni receive benefits at
the Member level.
- One year since graduation — $120/year
- Two to four years since graduation — $240/year
- Five to nine years since graduation — $600/year
By voting and providing feedback on projects submitted for funding, Murphy Society members have a unique
opportunity to assist the dean in making decisions about funding for special projects that help shape the
future of engineering education and research at Northwestern.
Each year, Murphy Society members and the dean of the McCormick School consider projects submitted for
funding by students and faculty.
To be supported by the Murphy Society, a new project must:
- be innovative
- bring a benefit to a significant number of McCormick undergraduate students
- support McCormick’s strategic plan
- be self-sustaining
The Murphy Society Selection Process emphasizes the idea that innovation occurs through the shared ideas of
many individuals, which can lead to additional findings and successes in the different engineering fields.
After Murphy Society members vote and provide feedback on the projects, the dean makes the funding decision
and announces grant awards to McCormick faculty and student organizations during the fall quarter.
Murphy Society members are then informed of final funding decisions and updated on the progress of selected projects.
Learn about the most
recent projects funded through the Murphy Society.
Members also receive the benefit of joining the Northwestern
University Leadership Circle, a university-wide giving society.