Three years ago, I submitted my very first application for the 9.11 Promise Scholarship, an opportunity created to support the children of 9/11 first responders throughout their time in college. Now, I’m approaching my final year as an undergraduate student, and in a full-circle moment, my younger brother is preparing to apply for the scholarship for the very first time.
My name is Gretchen Murphy, and I am currently a junior at Marist University, majoring in Communication with a double concentration in Advertising and Public Relations, along with a minor in Vocal Music. In addition to my undergraduate studies, I have recently begun my Master’s in Marketing Communication with a concentration in Digital Marketing. I am on track to earn my bachelor’s degree in 2027 and my master’s degree in 2028.
During my time at Marist, I have been fortunate to take advantage of a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy where I gained a global perspective on communications and culture. On campus, I served as a Junior Firm Director and Account Executive at North Road Communications, Marist’s student-run integrated marketing communications firm, and worked with the Center for Career Services, helping my peers prepare for their professional careers in the workforce. I am also a member of Marist’s Choral Singers ensemble and the competitive a capella group, The Enharmonics. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has changed in just three years, and even more meaningful to know that the 9/11 Promise has been there to help and support me throughout my whole experience thus far.
When I was given the opportunity to speak on the second night of the 9/11 Promise run and tell my dad’s story, I got to meet the people behind this incredible cause face-to-face. I was genuinely moved. Something that has stuck with me since that night in the Trenton firehouse is that this organization is truly a family. I have felt nothing but support from 9.11 Promise for the last three years. Everything that I have done during my time in college has been in order to take advantage of the opportunity I was given to receive higher education from my family and from 9.11 Promise.
Everything that I have done during my time in college has been in order to take advantage of the opportunity I was given to receive higher education from my family and from 9.11 Promise.
In the last three years I’ve been able to travel throughout Europe and have the chance to study abroad, attend the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella with my group mates, work and lead over 25 non-profit organizations though North Road Communications, participate in several communications-based competitions, pursue an undergraduate and master’s degree, and discover what I truly want to pursue post-graduation, next year.
To everyone who had a role in giving me the opportunity to be a three-time recipient of the 9.11 Promise scholarship, I cannot thank you enough. This opportunity has shaped my college journey in ways I’ll always be grateful for, and I truly wouldn;t be where I am today without your support. And to my family, thank you for always being there for me. Whether in person or just a phone call away, your love and encouragement mean everything to me. 9.11 Promise will always mean so much to me, and I can’t wait for the day I’m able to support the scholarship fund in return… just as soon as I commit to buying those running shoes and becoming a runner!