Local entrepreneur leaves $40K legacy

Steven Murphy’s name will live on at MHC through his support for its business program

The memory of local entrepreneur Steven Murphy, who passed away in 2016, will live on at Medicine Hat College.

A $40,000 donation was provided to Medicine Hat College Wednesday by Murphy’s family.

The donation will support students completing the Bachelor of Business Administration program. The gift was split between two awards: $25,000 for a first-year student to support their education for four years, and $15,000 for a third-year learner to support the last two years of their business degree.

The student recipients were April Dart and Jordin Beck.

Murphy, who owned 11 Subway franchises throughout southern Alberta and also owned Beltone Canada, a hearing-aid franchise in Medicine Hat, passed away Jan. 26, 2016.

Dan Merkley, Murphy’s brother-in-law, said Murphy, who was known for his generous heart, entrepreneurial passion and authentic demeanor, believed strongly in supporting the community and giving back to others.

“Steve just really loved life and took advantage of every opportunity he had. I think by donating to the college he felt that he would be giving students the ability to follow their dream, regardless of their financial circumstance.”

Murphy gave back to the community in many ways including supporting charities like the United Way and volunteering for athletic organizations like the Hockey Hounds and Medicine Hat Tigers.

“Steve believed very strongly in supporting the community that supported him and in giving back he felt he could help others,” says Merkley. “He was an integral part of not only the community, but his family. He will be truly missed.”

For Karl Schwonik, associate dean of business at MHC, this gift is one that he hopes inspires students to follow their passion.

“This legacy is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our region and the opportunities available to those with the skills, determination and fortitude to pursue them. We are thankful for his generosity and are excited to see the many doors this will open for our students.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Members of the Steven Murphy family gathered with the first two legacy-gift recipients Wednesday following the announcement that the late entrepreneur was providing $40,000 to business students. Recipients are Jordin Beck, left, and April Dart, right, while the three family members in the middle are Dan Merkley, Amanda Armstrong and Kathleen Murphy.