Gillian Murphy

I am choosing to honor Gillian Murphy as one woman recognized within the Plaza of Heroines at Iowa State University on the occasion of her 40th birthday. Gillian is a heroic figure and role model to many who have known her. She is the person whom I most admire, in my life experience. And, more than coincidentally, is my wife, whom I dearly love.

Recounting achievements and recognition’s by various groups does not properly convey Gillian's contributions on behalf of women's issues. Relationships are far more important than achievements, but relationships rely on anecdote and testimony. These remarks cannot convey the impact of her life on women, whose cause she has championed and for whom she has been both model and advocate.

The following indicate some of the areas in which Gillian Murphy has invested personal and professional energies:

- Women's Studies graduate, within Distributed Studies, ISU, August, 1983
- Women's Week Committee, Iowa State University, 1980, 81, and 82
- Search Committee for Director of the Women's Center at ISU
- Susan B. Anthony Woman of Achievement Award, Women's Rights category, given by the San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women, California, 1991
- Take Back the Night March and Rally, co-chair of first event in Stockton, California, also participant in Ames and Sacramento
- National Organization of Women, Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, San Joaquin Chapter, California
- San Joaquin Peace and Justice Network Board of Directors, Secretary, Vice-Chair, 1986 - present
- Women's Center of San Joaquin County, Marketing and Development Committee
- San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women
- San Joaquin County Pro-Choice Coalition, co-founder and chair
- Planned Parenthood volunteer
- Clinic Defense escort, Stockton and Sacramento, California
- Stockton Women's Network, Board member and mentor
- National Women's Art Museum charter member
- Women Entrepreneurs, established and now directs the program
- Athena Award Committee, recognizing women in business
- Stockton City Council and San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, advocate on behalf of "Raises not Roses", National Secretaries Week
- Women's Studies Committee, University of the Pacific
- Women and Mental Health Conference Committee, University of the Pacific
- Hmong Artisans, Inc., refugee women's business project, Board of Directors Chair, 1992-present
- Women Helping Women Award, Soroptimist International, Stockton, California, 1993

It is deeply meaningful to both Gillian and myself to be able to participate in the Carrie Chapman Catt Campaign because of our affection for Iowa State. This university has held the highest standards of academic excellence and nurtured students to the utilization of their talents for service to humanity. We take considerable pride in our degrees from Iowa State University.

Submitted on 8/14/94

Paver Inscription:

"Gillian Murphy"