Boston College Athletics
Two Student-Athletes Earn BC Student Leadership Awards
April 02, 2008 | Football
April 2, 2008
Chestnut Hill, Mass. - Senior football player Nick Larkin and junior field hockey player Kathleen Murphy were honored with Boston College Student Leadership Awards. Larkin earned the St. Ignatius Award for Personal Development while Murphy received the Jeff Keith Award. They will be honored at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.
The Office of the Dean for Student Development presents awards to undergraduate students each year. The awards recognize students' contributions, growth in leadership roles and creative involvement in campus life. Nominations can be made by students, faculty, administrators or staff.
Larkin, a three-year starter at defensive end and 2007 captain, earned the St. Ignatius Award for Personal Development. This award goes to the individual whose values and ideals have clearly undergone a transformation and deepening through his participation in co-curricular activities.
Larkin spends countless hours volunteering at Boston College's Campus School, which serves learners with multiple disabilities and complex healthcare needs. Leaders at the school call Larkin one of their most dedicated volunteers. He is also involved in BC's Generation Pulse, which is a Web site that connects adolescents throughout the United States through writing and art and acts as a support center. He is a regular visitor to Franciscan Children's Hospital, a Hopes for Hope volunteer and a participant in BC's HEAR (Help Educate through Athletic Responsibility) Program.
Jody Mooradian, the Senior Associate Athletics Director, explained Larkin's growth and willingness to give back in her nomination letter.
"Nick has developed into a truly giving person," Mooradian wrote. "He has given back to so many and made such a positive change. He treats all people the same and reaches out in ways that go unnoticed by many, but help and give hope to young people."
Murphy, a three-year field hockey letterwinner, was the winner of the Jeff Keith Award. The award is given to the individual who has overcome a physical challenge to excel in academic and co-curricular activities.
Murphy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in April 2007 at the age of 20. She continues to play field hockey and train as a varsity athlete while battling the disease. She has taken a leadership role and reached out to help the MS Association through fundraising. She has gotten the rest of her team involved, as well as many other members of the BC community. The team is taking part in the MS Walk this spring and she raised $500 by selling red MS bracelets inscribed with her number 17. Her goals is to raise $3,000.
The forward also makes visits to Franciscan Children's Hospital, works with Adopt a Child, Food for Families and runs clinic for children. She is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as well.
Mooradian noted Murphy's dedication and perseverance in her nomination.
"Kathleen has taken on a leadership role and overcome adversity in a positive manner," Mooradian wrote. "She has overcome and is still overcoming her MS while competing and leading her field hockey team."
