Issue: Summer 2015 | Posted: June 8, 2015
Old School
Union alumna establishes scholarship honoring brother
Lynne Murchison establishes the scholarship with Bob Agee and Dub Oliver at her side.
Daniel Thomas 鈥淭om鈥� Murchison (鈥�59)
On a cool day in March, a small group of close-knit family members gathered on Union University鈥檚 campus to remember the life of Union alumnus Daniel Thomas 鈥淭om鈥� Murchison (鈥�59) and to celebrate the establishment of an endowed scholarship fund in his memory.
For the family, it is a fitting way to honor him鈥攁 faithful and loved husband, father, grandfather and brother. The initial $50,000 gift given by Tom鈥檚 sister and fellow Union alumna, Lynne Murchison, will benefit students studying the liberal arts.
鈥淚 always knew my brother was a good man, but it was not until after his death that I learned he was a great man,鈥� Lynne Murchison said. 鈥淭om had a servant鈥檚 heart, and I hope that this scholarship will help produce more Toms for the world.鈥�
Union President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said the university received the gift with joy for the impact it would have for many years.
鈥淎s students receive an excellent, Christ-centered education through this endowed scholarship in his memory, they will know and remember the name and legacy of Tom Murchison,鈥� Oliver said.
Tom Murchison graduated from Union in 1959. He was well-known on campus for his brilliant sense of humor and extensive campus involvement. Murchison went on to graduate from Tulane University Law School and began his 49-year law career in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he and his wife settled permanently.
Murchison, who described himself as 鈥渢erminally cantankerous,鈥� frequently reminded others of his priorities 鈥斺�渇aith, family and friends.鈥� His family remembers him as a man of character and integrity, one who quietly served others.
Following a battle with cancer, Murchison died in 2012 at the age of 75. But, for his family and friends, the impact of his life continues to shape them.
In February of 2014, the city of Natchitoches dedicated the city court building posthumously in Murchison鈥檚 honor, 鈥渇or his forty years as City Attorney and public servant.鈥�
Tom, who met his wife, Vicki, at Union, was the first member of his family to graduate from Union. He was followed by his two younger sisters, a niece and a nephew. His granddaughter is a current student.
鈥淭his is a family that highly values the mission of Union,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淚t is encouraging to see the influence one generation of Unionites has had on the world and to anticipate the influence of future generations.鈥�