The dean of the Graduate School of Education, (GSE) Jerome T. Murphy, was honored last night at a forum at which he was named as the holder of the new Harold "Doc" Howe II Professorship, which will be renamed the Jerome T. Murphy Professorship upon Murphy's retirement from the GSE.

The position is accompanied by the permanent Doc Howe fellowship, which will permit needy students to attend the GSE.

"This chair is to recognize Jerry as an extraordinary and courageous leader," said Liz Hobbs, the campaign's co-chair.

Murphy's friends and admirers, with the support of University President Neil L. Rudenstine, raised the money for the chair unbeknownst to Murphy, she said.

According to Hobbs, more than 40 contributors raised about $3.4 million.

"They're friends of the school and of Jerry," Hobbs said. "The campaign was kept secret so that Murphy would be surprised."

At the ceremony, Rudenstine and Hobbs praised Murphy's many contributions to the GSE.

Rudenstine described Murphy's dedication to the GSE and his desire to reform public education.

"Jerry has an extraordinary energy to make things better. His energy has infected people in and beyond the school," Rudenstine said. "It's a wonderful goal Jerry has accomplished," he said. "For me, it's been a marvelous pleasure just to work with Jerry." Since his appointment in 1992, Murphy has spearheaded a capital campaign to raise $60 million for the GSE.

That mark was reached in November 1998. A large portion of the funds has gone towards endowing 12 professorships, and the Jerome T. Murphy chair will be the 13th.

"I'm just overwhelmed by this act of generosity to the school and to me," Murphy said. "I have no idea who contributed or how the deed was done. I'm grateful to Liz and John [Hobbs, campaign co-chairs] for sharing the secret so I avoided crying in public."

Murphy also called the new chair a vote of confidence for the GSE.

"The glue that binds us together is the common belief in good work. We're committed to the free expression of diverse perspectives," he said. "I see this new endowed chair as an endorsement of the Ed School--who we are, what we do and what we stand for."

Many of those in the audience were Murphy's family and friends, some of whom had come from out of state to take part in the dedication ceremony.

"I think it's a wonderful tribute to Jerry," said Vito Perrone, director of teacher education at the GSE.

The announcement ceremony was followed by a speech by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, author of the best-selling memoir Angela's Ashes.