June 10, 2024 – The John H. Murphy Scholarship Fund has awarded the first scholarship established to be awarded annually to a Springfield-area student pursuing a construction-related major the following fall.
The Springfield Renaissance School Class of 2024 graduate and Class Valedictorian Adam Theriaque, who will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in the fall as a construction management major, is the 2024 recipient of the annual scholarship of $1,500. The scholarship also includes mentoring for four years and opportunities to co-op/intern at City Enterprise, Inc., an award-winning Springfield-based construction company owned by Murphy’s eldest daughter Wonderlyn.
“My time in college is going to be spent keeping on top of my classes, but I also want to stay engaged with my community,” said Theriaque. “Receiving this scholarship means I will have less time worrying about my finances and more time focusing on where my education is going to lead me after graduation.”
Theriaque was presented with the recognition during a recent ceremony attended by members of his and Murphy’s families at City Enterprise.
Murphy said the scholarship is reflective of her father’s passion for construction and community. In 1970, Murphy founded Eastern General Contractors, Inc., a company that would employ over 100 people and earn distinction as one of the most successful construction companies along the Eastern Seaboard. Eastern projects included hospitals, air base hangars, schools, fire stations and more.
Lucille Murphy, wife of the late Murphy, said the scholarship reflects his legacy by allowing students whose life and dreams mirror his to have the means to succeed in their pursuit of higher education. “He provided for our children to receive excellent college educations and he always dreamt of helping families afford the same for their children,” she said.
Azell Cavaan said her father’s commitment to inclusivity and community is also an important aspect of the scholarship established in his honor.
“That’s why are so pleased to recognize Adam as the 2024 recipient of the scholarship,” she said, adding that the John H. Murphy Memorial Board of Directors selected the winner. “Not only is Adam a stellar student with an impressive GPA of 4.5, but his leadership in the LGBTQ community demonstrates his commitment to activism and community,” she said.
Theriaque said his future pursuits are rooted in giving back to his community for himself, his loved ones and those who will come after him. “My aspiration after college is to continue supporting my community through activism and my career. Going into construction management will allow me to travel across the country, potentially even the world, to create infrastructure that will positively impact the local communities,” he said.
Pictured: Acting on behalf of the organizations board of directors, Lucille Murphy presents scholarship recipient Adam Theriaque with the John H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship with a photograph of her late husband, prominent contractor John H. Murphy in the background.
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