A new scholarship named for Mercer alumnus and former trustee J. Reginald “Reg” Murphy has been established for students pursuing a journalism major within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Omnicom Reg Murphy Scholarship in Journalism will be awarded to up to 10 students annually for the next 10 years.
Omnicom Chairman and CEO John Wren is a longtime friend of Murphy, and the scholarship was born out of their bond and Murphy’s long-time service to Omnicom as a former independent director on the company’s board.
Murphy is a loyal Mercer supporter, having served five terms on the University’s Board of Trustees. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1971 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University in 1975.
In addition, Murphy and his wife, Diana, have been major supporters of several areas of the University, including the Mercer Athletic Foundation, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Mercer University Press. In December 2023, Mercer’s Center for Collaborative Journalism was formally named the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism in recognition of Murphy’s contributions to the profession and his alma mater.
“This scholarship acknowledges Reg’s impact on journalism as well as encourages students who are eager to make their own mark,” said Wren. “Mercer, Omnicom and close associate Terry Adamson will work together to identify high achievers who display a passion for journalism and a determination to excel. We look forward to creating a bridge between Mercer’s journalism students and the professional opportunities available at Omnicom.”
The scholarship will provide financial support to Mercer students pursuing a degree in journalism and will further strengthen the school’s commitment to creating leaders who make a positive difference in the world. Juniors or seniors who have demonstrated engagement in the major and shown aptitude and curiosity in journalism and media studies will be eligible for the scholarship. As part of the application process, candidates will describe their interest in the profession and detail their involvement in the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism. Applications will open in the Fall of 2024.
In addition to the scholarships, Omnicom will provide a limited number of student internship opportunities for journalism majors at various Omnicom offices in Atlanta and the New York region.
About Omnicom
Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) is a leading provider of data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions. Omnicom’s iconic agency brands are home to the industry’s most innovative communications specialists who are focused on driving intelligent business outcomes for their clients. The company offers a wide range of services in advertising, strategic media planning and buying, precision marketing, retail and digital commerce, branding, experiential, public relations, healthcare marketing and other specialty marketing services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.omnicomgroup.com.
About the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism
The Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism (CCJ) is a unique partnership between Mercer University, The Telegraph, Georgia Public Broadcasting and 13WMAZ, with generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and The Peyton Anderson Foundation. The Center’s groundbreaking collaboration has students, faculty and veteran journalists working together in a joint newsroom. Learning in a “teaching hospital” model, students engage the community using the latest digital tools and leave with a strong portfolio of published work. Learn more at ccj.mercer.edu.
