History major named May 2024 CAS Orange Gown Graduate

History major named May 2024 CAS Orange Gown Graduate

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | [email protected]

The College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Committee has selected Julia Murphy as the CAS Orange Gown Graduate for Oklahoma State University's Spring 2024 undergraduate commencement ceremony.

"I am honored to be the Orange Gown Graduate for the College of Arts and Sciences for the spring of 2024," Murphy said. "It is a privilege to represent my college at graduation and I hope to make CAS proud as a student both in the humanities and in the sciences."

A history major with minors in chemistry and classical studies, Murphy received the Orange Gown honor for her outstanding academic achievements and exemplary contributions to the OSU community over the past four years. As the Orange Gown Graduate, she will wear the orange cap and gown as well as lead faculty and students into the ceremony while carrying the college's banner.

"I toured OSU my senior year of high school during Homecoming week and instantly knew this was my home," said Murphy, who will graduate with a B.A. in history and a certificate in pre-medical sciences. "I loved the community and the campus. I also really loved the Honors College and all the opportunities and support that it offered."

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Murphy's passion for history and medicine intersected in her undergraduate thesis for the Honors College. She completed this under the mentorship of Dr. Rebecca Kaplan, associate professor in the Department of History.

"Julia's research provides valuable insights into how 20th century wars impacted the education and careers of female physicians in the U.S.," Kaplan said. "It is expanding our understanding of how female labor is valued during wartime and peacetime and the limitations of wartime accommodations for female professionals."

Kaplan said that Murphy's curiosity and interest in exploring the history of American women in medicine made her a great mentee, as she was committed to the project and always made the time to work on it.

The next phase of Murphy's academic journey will be at OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she will utilize learned skills in research as well as self-care.

"Studying excessively can reach a point of diminishing returns and you need to listen to your body and take care of yourself," Murphy said. "I found that when I took more breaks and allowed myself to have fun with my friends I focused better, studied more efficiently and performed better on my work."

Story By: Allie Putman, CAS Graduate Assistant | [email protected]

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