HERITAGE CLUB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: J. CHRISTOPHER ’76 AND NANCY MURPHY

A native of Birmingham, Chris Murphy first came to Aquinas Junior College as an advanced placement transfer from high school and was awarded the AS degree in 1976. His decision to attend Aquinas, according to his Commencement Address for Aquinas’ 2022 Graduating Class, had lasting effect on his career choices and philosophy of life. Chris explained, “This college, her faculty, and your [Dominican] Order helped me to take on life with solid academic knowledge and the firm foundation of Christ.”

During the two years that he studied at Aquinas, Chris learned how God uses one’s natural strengths and interests to lead His sons and daughters into a life of meaningful service. In his case, Providence led Chris to dedicate his life to security and protection services at the highest level. His distinguished career in the United States Secret Service included protecting Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States, as well as many domestic and foreign dignitaries, such as Pope Saint John Paul II. His book, published in 2019, In His Majesty’s Secret Service, relates his reflections on selected highlights of this career. For many years he also was responsible for training others in the highly demanding and potentially dangerous work of public security. He is currently Chief Security Officer for Great Southern Wood Preserving.

The traditional name for a college is Alma Mater, which conveys the special nurturing relationship that develops between a student and the local academy, and which shapes the character of those who study there. For those whose college years are spent at Aquinas, this relationship takes on a Dominican character, fostering growth in the whole person that is manifested in good works in the world at large.

Today, almost fifty years after he first arrived at Aquinas Junior College, Chris remains a valued member of the Aquinas family. He and his wife Nancy have prayerfully made the decision to leave a portion of their estate to Aquinas College in their will, leaving a lasting legacy to the college at which Chris received a solid foundation for life. Chris and Nancy’s contributions to the College, like their service to the nation, have blessed our campus and support our total mission to be a beacon of truth and charity.

Chris and Nancy are the parents of Christopher, Michael, and Patrick.