The Green Bay Packers and UW-Green Bay announced today that the Packers are making a leading gift to establish and endow the Mark Murphy Director of Athletics position at the University.
The gift of $250,000 is being made by the Packers in honor of the organization's longtime President and CEO as he approaches retirement in July after 17 seasons.
The Packers' gift will kickstart a fundraising campaign with a goal of $1 million that will help ensure Phoenix student-athletes are able to excel in the classroom, in competition, and continue to make a positive impact in the Green Bay community.
The gift connects and honors two aspects of Murphy's professional life. Prior to joining the Packers as President in 2007, Murphy had a long career in college athletics, serving as the Director of Athletics at Colgate University from 1992-2003 and Northwestern University from 2003-07. During his time in Green Bay, Murphy has been a vocal supporter of UW-Green Bay, serving on the Council of Trustees and participating in fundraising and promotional activities to benefit the university.
Current UW-Green Bay Director of Athletics, Josh Moon, will become the first 'Mark Murphy Endowed Director of Athletics', effective immediately.
"We cannot imagine a more fitting person to name our athletic director position after than Mark Murphy," said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. "His career as a professional athlete, athletic director, and President & CEO of the Green Bay Packers are only a small part of what makes him amazing. His character, leadership, and kindness are an incredible reminder to our student athletes, athletic department, and the entire university what it means to display greatness. We are honored to have his name associated with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Thank you to the Green Bay Packers for further cementing Mark's legacy in this way and for investing in our Division I Athletic Department."
"I'm tremendously honored that the Packers are making this lead gift to UW-Green Bay to establish the endowed Athletic Director position," said Murphy. "I have loved my involvement with UW-Green Bay and am so pleased that we can help the school in this manner. The University is a vitally important institution in our region. A strong and successful Division I athletics program brings so much to the campus and the community."
"We are grateful to the Packers for their gift honoring Mark's amazing commitment to this community and especially the impact he has made on UWGB and Phoenix Athletics," said Moon. "He has been a tremendous mentor and friend to each of the Green Bay Athletic Directors during his time with the Packers, and he has especially made a significant impact on me since my arrival. To have someone in his position be accessible and willing to help at any time – it says a lot about his character and humbleness – Mark epitomizes what Green Bay is all about!"
The announcement was made at Lambeau Field on Tuesday morning.
More information on the new endowed position and making donations can be found online at greenbayphoenix.com/sports/2024/11/8/mark-murphy.
