Dennis F. Murphy Jr., a 1960 graduate of Saint Michael’s College, and his wife Julie Murphy, were named together as the college’s 2010 recipients of the Fr. John Verret Award, and received the recognition at award ceremonies held June 12 on the college campus in Burlington, Vt.
Named in honor and in memory of Fr. John Verret, class of 1935, an Army chaplain who died during World War II, the award is given to a Saint Michael’s College graduate who, through his or her professional accomplishments and/or community contributions and/or service to the nation, has supported the mission of Saint Michael’s College and the Alumni Association.
Dennis and Julie Murphy, of Still River Road, were described as superb examples of fulfillment of the award requirements. The citation said they are two people who believe in the value of a good education. Dennis Murphy, a political science major at Saint Michael’s, took over his family’s life insurance company after graduation and built it into one of the largest independent agencies in Massachusetts, with seven locations and over 22,000 clients.
Dennis Murphy was also cited for being a leader in supporting continued education for insurance professionals. He is the past president of the Central Massachusetts CPCU Society and the Massachusetts Association of Independent Insurance Agents. He is also a past member of the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers Board and is a founding member of the Worcester County Insurance Institute. For his years of service to the insurance industry, Dennis Murphy was presented with the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award by the Central Mass Chapter of CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters) Society.
