LaGrange Rotary Club—Walter Y. Murphy Scholarship

Walter Murphy portrait

The Walter Y. Murphy Scholarship was established in 1998 with the help of the Callaway Foundation as the club’s project for LaGrange Rotary’s 75th anniversary in 1997. Named for our late friend and fellow member Walter Murphy—past president of our club, past district governor and past president of LaGrange College—the scholarship honors his commitment to education and service.

Four recipients who have a record of volunteerism or service above self along with financial need are chosen annually by LaGrange College. They exemplify Walter Murphy’s commitment to the college as they maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and dedicate their time to helping others.

 

2025 Recipients

  • Aniyla Coney is a freshman from Atlanta majoring in Writing and English at LaGrange College. She is an active member of the L.I.F.T. program, the Black Student Union, and the Student Senate. Aniyla also plays on LaGrange College’s first flag football team. She is passionate about writing, leadership, and building community both on and off campus.

  • Addison Gibboney is a freshman from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a major in Pre-Engineering. She is a student-athlete who plays both softball and golf. Addison values the smaller class sizes at LaGrange College, which allow for greater interaction with classmates and professors. The support she has received has encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and try new things.

  • Helen Gordon is a junior Biology major from LaGrange who transferred to LaGrange College last spring after completing an eight-month mission trip. A dedicated Christian, she is actively involved in her church, where she serves in several roles, most notably as Director of Health Ministries. Helen enjoys swimming, painting, and serving others to the best of her ability. At LaGrange College, she is a member of Tri-Beta, serves on the Social Council, and is a new member of the Rotaract Club.

  • Bronwyn Jackson is a first-year sophomore Art major from Tallapoosa, Georgia. Whether studying art history or creating her own work, she loves engaging with the world of art. At LaGrange College, Bronwyn treasures the friendships she has built with students, faculty, and members of the community, especially through her work-study position at the Lamar Dodd Art Center. She is part of the 2025 L.I.F.T. Cohort, the Art Work Study program, and Circle K.

  • Isabel Rocker is a junior studying Business with a minor in Aviation. Born and raised in LaGrange, she was excited to learn about the college’s partnership with Paragon Flight School. Isabel knew it was the perfect opportunity to earn her degree while advancing her aviation training.

  • Megan Rowland is a junior from Franklin, Georgia, majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Music. She serves as the Director of Philanthropy and Community Service for Kappa Delta Sorority, the Fundraising Coordinator for E.C.H.O., and a member of the SGA Executive Council. Megan loves being active on campus and contributing to organizations that help the community grow and thrive both within and beyond the college.

Goal & Progress

LaGrange College and the LaGrange Rotary Club strive to double the existing endowment, and our hope is to continue providing opportunities for future students. To date, 128 students have received support from the Walter Y. Murphy Scholarship with a total $284,851 awarded. This year, an average $4,250 was awarded per student.

 

Join the Effort

Walter Y. Murphy scholarship recipients

Contribute to the 25th Anniversary Campaign for the Walter Y. Murphy Scholarship Fund now and your gift will be matched by the Callaway Foundation. Don’t miss this chance to double your contribution and provide financial assistance to many more students at LaGrange College! This amazing opportunity was made possible by a generous grant from the foundation. Since its creation, the fund has grown to an incredible $592,996.10.

If you already donate to LaGrange College, consider an additional gift to the LaGrange Rotary—Walter Y. Murphy Scholarship Fund.

 

Send a check

Make a check out to LaGrange College or, if your company prefers, to LaGrange Rotary. Indicate “WYM Scholarship” in comments. Remember that a gift to LaGrange College is tax-deductible.

Mail to:
LaGrange College
Advancement Services
601 Broad Street
LaGrange, GA 30240

Add to your dues

Add a gift to your monthly Rotary dues by contacting Ken Miles

Obtain a match from your company

Many companies will match gifts to LaGrange College or LaGrange Rotary. Ask for a matching gift form to include with your gift.

Donate online