Evans Murphy
I am a retired business professional whose life and career were profoundly shaped by my participation in the College Discovery and Development Program.
I entered the College Discovery Program after guidance counselors at Newtown High School encouraged me to enroll in a specialized college preparatory program at Jamaica High School. With the added benefit of an easier commute and a strong academic focus, I readily accepted—an early decision that would prove to be life‑changing.
After graduating from high school, I attended Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York, where I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1973. That same year, I launched my professional career with Sears, Roebuck and Company as a merchandise buyer in the company’s Midtown Manhattan Buying Office. When the New York office closed in 1979, I relocated to Chicago and continued my work from the Sears Tower. As Sears expanded and later consolidated operations in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, I remained a dedicated member of the organization. After 30 years of service, I concluded my career at Sears in 2003.
I have lived in the Chicago suburbs since 1979. My wife, Debbie, and I have shared more than 41 years of marriage. Our family includes a son, daughter‑in‑law, and granddaughter who currently reside in North Carolina.
When I reflect on my journey, I consider the College Discovery Program to be one of the most significant influences in my life. As the first of six siblings in my family to attend college, the program instilled both confidence and certainty about my future. When asked whether participation meant I would attend college, my answer was always an unwavering “yes.” The encouragement, structure, and guidance I received removed any doubt about pursuing higher education and helped shape the trajectory of my career and personal life. I remain deeply grateful for the foundation the program provided, and for the lasting impact it continues to have on my life.
