Carroll and Georgia Murphy - “A Legacy of Giving”
Carroll and Georgia Murphy
Loyalty. Pride. Passion. These words could be used to describe a number of alumni and friends who generously support Mississippi State with their time and financial resources. But there are few words that could more fittingly describe one couple's connection.
W. Carroll and Georgia Murphy were raised in the South Mississippi towns of Petal and Hattiesburg, respectively, and both initially turned to the nearby University of Southern Mississippi for their college education. Georgia received a bachelor's degree in home economics education from USM in 1965 before earning a master's degree in education from Mississippi State in 1984. Carroll enrolled in the Hattiesburg institution his freshman year, but soon had a change of heart while visiting friends at Mississippi State.
"I fell in love with Mississippi State the first night I stayed on campus," Carroll said. "There was a special camaraderie. I instantly felt like I belonged, and I've never lost that feeling."
Carroll earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from MSU in 1966 and followed with a master's in civil engineering in 1968. He credits his education with his successful career as a consulting engineer in Jackson that spanned nearly 30 years. He is now director of the office of engineering for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia, Miss.
Georgia retired from the Jackson Public School System in 2003 with 28 years of service. They have two children, Bill and Jay, who are both MSU graduates.
Today, the avid sports fans reside in Starkville. They are long time members of the Bulldog Club and the Alumni Association, and Carroll has served on the advisory committee for the university's department of civil engineering.
Also indicative of the couple's commitment is their record of financial contributions - Carroll and Georgia have made annual gifts to MSU for almost 30 years. Their first gift was only $15, but over time, they have contributed nearly $70,000.
"We just gave what we could," Georgia said. "Mississippi State was a part of our budget each year, and we were always assured that we were getting a good return on our investment. It's good to be a part of something bigger than you are that does so much to help so many others."
The couple is also quick to encourage others to do the same. When asked what he'd like to say to students graduating from MSU today, Carroll said, "The quality and cost of the education you received at MSU were higher and lower, respectively, than they otherwise would have been because those who preceded you made contributions. Return the favor to those who follow you by giving back to MSU during your lifetime."
