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Commencement Speaker Terry Murphy ’75 encourages Class of 2026 to ‘launch’ into next chapter
The phrase “It’s not rocket science” is often a way to brush off a task as simple. But on June 4, as the Bishop Noll Institute community gathered for its 103rd commencement ceremony, that idiom took on a literal meaning.
When President Paul Mullaney ’77 introduced the night's keynote speaker, he told the Class of 2026, “I would never say that to tonight’s commencement speaker. That's because he is a rocket scientist.”
Terry Murphy ’75 was the last of four Warriors in his family to graduate. After, he took his passion for exploration to Purdue University, where he studied astronautical engineering.
Murphy stepped into the pages of history when he joined the team tasked with developing the space shuttle main engines at the dawn of the space shuttle era. It kicked off a brilliant 30-year career managing complex aerospace systems. Murphy went on to become a visionary in clean energy storage and manufacturing, eventually returning to his roots as the CEO of the Hammond Group, Inc.
Despite his achievements, Murphy never forgot the launchpad that started it all. He and his wife, Marianne, remained steadfast supporters of Noll, generously funding student scholarships and computers that power the school's state-of-the-art STREAM Lab.
Traveling from his home in Nevada, Murphy returned to deliver a message of resilience, character and readiness to the next generation.
Reflecting on his own busy days at Noll, Murphy said, “I think it’s best to say that generosity, friendship, and people showing up for one another is what I remember most. That was the Noll spirit then, and I can see that it is still flourishing here today. I had a great time here and hope your memories are blessed as well.”
Murphy traced his journey back to where his fascination with space began. “Fortunately, I knew what I wanted to do early in life. I grew up in the Apollo era, watching men go to the moon,” he said. “You may think it farfetched, but somebody in this audience could very well be walking on the moon in the not-too-distant future.”
Acknowledging the shifting landscape, he pointed out that while technology has evolved since his own graduation, true success remains timeless.
“Many things have changed since 1975, when my classmates and I graduated. The world you are entering is faster, louder, and more connected than the one I entered,” Murphy said. “But the essentials have not changed. Success is not about title, salary or recognition. Success is being able to look in the mirror and respect the person looking back. Are you willing to challenge unethical behavior and misrepresentations? Does your word mean something? Are you trustworthy?”
He challenged the graduates to rise above difficulties and prioritize how they treat others. “Be the person who gives credit and treats people with respect. Especially when there is stress, disagreement or disappointment. Bishop Noll and your Catholic faith have instilled in you the ability to keep going when life does not go according to plan. And the only thing that I can say with 100 percent certainty is that life will not go according to your plan.”
In closing, he urged the graduates to look forward to the future.
“I’d like to think of this ceremony as a launch, So, take a moment today to be proud of yourselves. You have earned it. Then go forward with humility. Keep learning. Stay open to possibilities. And when you have the chance, help somebody else along the way. Because one day, much sooner than you think, you will look back and realize that a meaningful life is built from daily choices and not grand plans. Class of 2026: Your future will not be perfect, but it can be rich with purpose, contribution, and joy. So, you only need to answer one question: Are you ready to launch?”
Bishop Noll Institute, a diverse, Catholic college preparatory school, partners with local faith communities to empower young adults to live their faith in Christ through ministry, scholarship, and leadership.