Carmi and Chris Murphy ’68 Receive 2025 Sorin Award for Service to Notre Dame and South Bend Community Advancement

In a ceremony steeped in pride, tradition, and gratitude during this year’s Notre Dame Reunion celebration, Carmi and Chris Murphy ’68 were awarded one of the University’s most prestigious honors — the 2025 Rev. Edward Frederick Sorin, C.S.C., Award. The accolade, which has recognized distinguished service to the University and society since its inception in 1965, was conferred on the Murphys for their transformative impact on both the Notre Dame community and the greater South Bend region. Their generosity and dedication, particularly as the lead benefactors of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, symbolize the enduring spirit of Notre Dame’s founding mission: to be a force for good in the world.

Chris Murphy, a 1968 graduate of the University, and his wife, Carmi, are no strangers to service. Their commitment has been tangible through decades of involvement in philanthropic, cultural, and civic endeavors. What distinguishes their contribution is not just the magnitude of their support, but the heart and intention behind it — a shared vision to enhance lives through education, access to the arts, and inclusive community growth.

At the center of their recent legacy is the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s vision to create a world-class arts district on campus. The museum, bearing their name in recognition of their leadership and generosity, has become more than a cultural asset to the University — it is a beacon of artistic engagement for the South Bend community and beyond. Designed to provide expanded access to artistic experiences, the museum opens its doors not only to Notre Dame students and faculty but also to families, school groups, and art lovers across the region. It reflects a deep understanding that the arts serve as a bridge — connecting people, perspectives, and generations.

For the Murphys, supporting the arts is not simply about aesthetics or tradition; it is about building community and offering opportunities for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. In their own words, art is a vital form of expression that speaks to the soul, invites introspection, and fosters unity. The museum has quickly become a dynamic space where lectures, exhibitions, and student-led programming come together to form a vibrant hub of creativity. The Murphys’ role in making this a reality cannot be overstated.

Their efforts also highlight a broader philosophy that has characterized their lives: an unwavering belief in service. Chris Murphy, long regarded as a pillar in the financial services sector and civic leadership in South Bend, has continuously exemplified Notre Dame’s values in action. As the chairman and CEO of 1st Source Corporation, Murphy steered the organization with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to uplifting local communities. Under his leadership, the institution not only grew its financial footprint but also embedded social responsibility into its business ethos.

Carmi Murphy, equally dedicated, has been a central figure in South Bend’s philanthropic and cultural life. Her advocacy for literacy, education, and community enrichment has touched countless lives. Together, the Murphys have supported initiatives spanning from public libraries to neighborhood development projects, from healthcare initiatives to educational reform. Their belief in strengthening the community is not episodic — it is lifelong, intergenerational, and deeply ingrained.

This shared legacy of service made them fitting recipients of the Sorin Award, named after Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s visionary founder who imagined a University that would educate both heart and mind. The award has historically honored alumni who not only succeed professionally but who also use their platforms to create positive change. In this way, the Murphys join an esteemed list of honorees who have lived the Notre Dame mission well beyond their time on campus.

The presentation of the award during Reunion Weekend was marked by admiration and heartfelt appreciation. Alumni from multiple decades, University leaders, students, and friends gathered to pay tribute to the couple’s remarkable journey. The occasion served as both recognition and reflection — an opportunity to celebrate what it means to give back and to honor those whose lives are defined by giving.

University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., spoke during the ceremony, noting, “Chris and Carmi Murphy have modeled the highest ideals of Notre Dame. Through their faith, their generosity, and their steadfast commitment to the common good, they have helped shape a more compassionate and enriched world. Their vision for the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art exemplifies the transformative power of art and the essential role it plays in forming thoughtful, humane citizens.”

Indeed, the museum stands as one of the most visible legacies of the Murphys’ service, but their influence is far-reaching. Beyond bricks and mortar, their work has empowered nonprofit leaders, inspired students, and mobilized networks of community support. At the local level, they have been instrumental in expanding access to the arts and education, especially in underserved areas. At the University level, they have inspired a new generation of Notre Dame students to think more expansively about their call to serve.

Chris Murphy’s reflections upon receiving the award were emblematic of the couple’s humility and deep ties to the University. “Notre Dame has always been more than a place of learning for us,” he said. “It is a source of purpose, community, and faith. Carmi and I are honored to play a role in its mission and to give back to the institution that has shaped our lives.”

As for Carmi, her remarks emphasized the importance of community collaboration. “This is not our story alone,” she said. “We are blessed to work alongside so many passionate individuals — at Notre Dame, in South Bend, and throughout the arts world — who believe in the power of creativity, education, and kindness. This award reflects not just our efforts, but a shared commitment to making life richer for others.”

Their words underscored a central theme: the most enduring legacies are those built in partnership, rooted in gratitude, and driven by a sense of responsibility to something greater. For the Murphys, the journey from Notre Dame student to University partner has been guided by these values. It is a path marked not by accolades, but by authentic impact.

Looking ahead, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art will undoubtedly continue to evolve, reflecting the changing currents of culture and scholarship. But at its heart, it will always carry the imprint of its benefactors — two individuals who believed in opening doors, creating opportunity, and affirming the essential dignity of every person. Through their gifts, they have redefined what it means to be an engaged alum — not merely supportive from afar, but deeply embedded in the University’s mission and everyday life.

As the 2025 Reunion fades into memory, the honor bestowed upon Carmi and Chris Murphy will endure as a symbol of what is possible when dedication meets vision. The Sorin Award is not only a celebration of past service but also a challenge to future generations: to carry forward the work of those who came before, and to build — in whatever field or calling — a more generous, humane, and inclusive world.

For all who witnessed the ceremony, the message was clear. The Murphys exemplify what it means to live the Notre Dame way — to be of service, to lead with heart, and to give with joy. Their story is a testament to how alumni can remain vibrant threads in the fabric of the University long after graduation, shaping its future with the same faith, courage, and determination that built it. In honoring them with the Sorin Award, Notre Dame has done more than celebrate a deserving couple; it has lifted up a model for us all.