Awarded annually to undergraduate students in demonstrated financial need who are entering or continuing in a degree program within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in English or Sociology. Endowed in 2025 in memory of Evan Murphy, BAHons/14, MA/16, by family and friends.

Evan was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and later moved to Ottawa, where he completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Carleton University. He then moved to Toronto to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.

Evan was thoughtful, kind, and effortlessly funny. He was brilliant, deeply curious, and put his whole heart into everything he did. He was a supportive big brother, a loving son, grandson, and nephew, a loyal friend, an amazing husband, and the very best dog dad.

Evan had a zest for life that was contagious and found joy in the little things: listening to the rain, travelling, watching old movies, trying new restaurants, playing board games, or being engulfed in a good book.  He held on tightly to his childlike sense of wonder and unabashedly adored his video games, fantasy novels, Pokémon cards, comic books, and superhero movies.

Evan never let cancer define him, no matter how hard it tried. He continued to live, to move his body, and to find joy and laughter everywhere he could.

While policing stole Evan’s heart, reading and writing were his first loves. During his treatment, Evan completed a creative writing course at the University of Toronto and was working towards publishing some of his work. Writing served as an incredible outlet for Evan, bringing him and those he shared it with immense joy during an otherwise dark time. He dreamed of publishing a novel, pursuing a second master’s degree or a PhD, and one day teaching.

While Evan’s journey was tragically cut short, there is nothing he would love more than for his legacy to be one of helping other people accomplish their dreams.