Tag Archive for: Arts Elevate

GLCF’s Thomas F. and Helena B. Murphy Scholarship Provides an Opportunity for Future Educator

Education was a driving force in the Thomas and Helena Murphy household.

Helena was a first-grade teacher before the children arrived and Tom, after returning from World War II, taught Math at night school to returning-home veterans. During the day, he was a Latin teacher at Lowell High School, eventually becoming Freshman Advisor and Submaster, over his 32-year tenure.

There was no question that all the Murphy kids – Tom ’64, Garry ’66, Kathy ’67, Gregory ’69 and Kevin ’70 (Keith Academy), would go to college as education was a building block of their family.

“Our parents instilled the importance of an education from an early age. Checking our homework was a daily ritual. I was tutored in Latin after bringing home a failing grade. Fortunately, it helped me significantly in my law practice to understand legal terms and phrases,” noted Kevin Murphy, J.D., former Lowell City Manager and Massachusetts State Representative, 18th Middlesex District.

Kathy Murphy Akashian, a former fifth-grade teacher at the Immaculate School in Lowell, followed in her father’s footsteps, a Housemaster at Lowell High. Kathy and Kevin concurred on how their parents would react to a scholarship in their names, “They would be so proud and happy. The scholarship is awarded to a senior pursuing a degree in education. Our parents would want that person to become an educator and come back to teach the children of Lowell.”

It’s rare for a scholarship donor to know the recipient. The review of randomly assigned applications by volunteer evaluators is a ‘blind’ procedure with no name or identifiers on the form.

However, this year, Jovani Ubri received the Thomas F. and Helena B. Murphy Scholarship at the Lowell High School’s on Honors Night.

“We’ve known Jovani since he was 7, as he was on my son Brian’s baseball team for years. This was serendipitous!” recounted Kathy, who has given out her parents’ scholarship for many years. “As a teacher, I witnessed firsthand the students’ need for scholarships and financial assistance. Our hope is that these kids go on to pay it forward in the world and do something good with their education.”

A retired LHS and Greater Lowell Vocational Tech teacher and longtime superintendent in the Triton, Wakefield, Swampscott and Hillsboro (N.H.) school systems, Garry Murphy felt his parents would give this advice to the recipients, “Remember to enjoy your time in college. There will be good days and bad days which is good preparation for a teaching career.”


The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about Lowell High School Scholarships, contact Jay Linnehan or Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.


About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: Thomas F. and Helena B. Murphy in 1975, their children established an LHS scholarship in their honor.

GLCF to Host Annual Celebrate Giving Event with Focus on Social Entrepreneurship

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual Celebrate Giving at UTEC in Lowell, Mass. The event will focus on Social Entrepreneurship: Solving Problems, Strengthening Communities and will feature a conversation with keynote speaker Rajia Abdelaziz, CEO & Co-founder of invisaWear, a company revolutionizing personal safety through smart jewelry and accessories.


Abdelaziz launched the company at age 21 and has since raised $3 million, scaled to over $20 million in sales, and secured partnerships with ADT and TELUS. She has been featured on the cover of Forbes 30 Under 30, recognized by TIME and Fast Company, and named one of Massachusetts’ most successful entrepreneurs by the Boston Globe. In 2023, she launched Smart Alert Holdings and acquired Flare Safety, expanding her mission to make safety accessible to all. A passionate advocate for women and minorities in tech, Abdelaziz also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through UMass Lowell’s Entrepreneurship Program.

“This year’s Celebrate Giving will highlight social entrepreneurship and explore how innovative solutions can solve problems while strengthening our communities,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “We believe that philanthropy is something everyone can and should engage in, as fundamentally, philanthropy is about civic engagement – there are so many ways to get involved.”

The event will also include awarding four 2025 GLCF honors: Business Philanthropy Partner Award, Steven Joncas Community Connector Award, Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement, and GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grant Award.

The 2025 honorees exemplify the spirit of community engagement and philanthropic leadership that strengthens the Greater Lowell region. This year’s award recipients are:

  • 2025 Business Philanthropy Partner Award: Votze Butler Associates Inc.
    The Business Philanthropy Partner Award recognizes a business that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the community through philanthropic partnerships and civic engagement.
  • 2025 Steven Joncas Community Connector Award: Brian Chapman
    Named in honor of Steven Joncas, this award celebrates an individual who has made significant contributions to connecting and strengthening community networks throughout the Greater Lowell area.
  • 2025 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement: Vannak Theng-Rush
    This prestigious lifetime achievement award honors an individual who has demonstrated sustained volunteer leadership and commitment to community service over many years.
  • 2025 GLCF Newell Flather Legacy Fund Grant Award: Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA)
    The Newell Flather Legacy Fund was established by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation in 2022 at GLCF to support nonprofit projects focused on the arts, immigrant, and refugee communities, and/or advancing equity and inclusion in the city of Lowell.

“These awards celebrate the remarkable individuals and organizations that embody the philanthropic spirit of our community,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “Each recipient has made meaningful contributions that strengthen our region and improve the quality of life for residents across our 21 cities and towns.”

Celebrate Giving will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the program at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and need to be reserved by October 15 at www.glcfoundation.org. Sponsorships are available.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: On Oct. 22, GLCF’s Celebrate Giving will feature a conversation with Rajia Abdelaziz, CEO & Co-founder of invisaWear

Heather Rielly Elected to Greater Lowell Community Foundation Board of Directors

Lowell, MA – At its Annual Board Meeting on June 10, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) unanimously elected Heather Riellyof Groton to its Board of Directors.

Rielly is the Vice President, Business Development Officer, Commercial Banking – New England, Wells Fargo. Heather Riellybrings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, with a focus on relationship development, strategic growth, and cultivating high-value partnerships across a broad range of sectors., Rielly brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to community service to GLCF.

“Supporting nonprofits, giving back, and finding ways to help others has always been at the heart of who I am,” said Rielly. “I’m honored to join the Board of Directors at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and excited to continue supporting an organization whose mission, serving 21 communities across our region, so closely aligns with my own purpose and values.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Heather to the Board,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “Her professional expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for social impact will be tremendous assets to the Foundation as we continue to address the evolving needs of Greater Lowell.”

A proud resident of Groton, Massachusetts, Heather lives with her husband and son. She is deeply committed to helping others and strengthening the community through collaboration and service.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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CAPTION: At GLCF’s Annual Meeting on June 10, Heather Riellywas unanimously elected to the board. From left, GLCF Board Chair Chet Szablak, Heather Riellyand GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan.