Saturday night's Black & White By the Bay gala was an incredible ending to a great week which marked the launch of the Academy’s new five-year strategic plan, Light the Way. The support and commitment of the Academy community was ever-present at the gala with joyous energy and incredible gifts of generosity. 

During the gala, President Kevin P. Whitney announced the Academy received its first major commitment in support of the school’s new strategic priorities. This extraordinary gift of $1 million dollars from AHN parents Renée and Brian Murphy will be dedicated to creating new and improved athletic and recreational areas that will better support student programming at all levels.

“The Academy’s mission is rooted in the full development of the human person, educating the mind, body, and soul,” said Academy President Kevin P. Whitney. “The Murphy family’s generosity will significantly benefit the student experience. We are immensely grateful for Renée and Brian’s bold commitment to supporting the vision and direction of our school.”

Over the past ten years, the Academy of the Holy Names has committed significant resources to modernize and expand academic learning spaces for all grade levels from Pre-K through high school. With this gift from the Murphy family, the school is positioned to further bolster student life initiatives through enhanced health, wellness, and fitness facilities.

About their gift, Renée Murphy said, “The Academy of the Holy Names is a significant asset to our Tampa community, and our family is committed to continuing to support youth and education across the Tampa Bay area. Brian and I are honored to make this gift to AHN. Our family has benefited from the rigorous education and formation the Academy offers and are happy to do our part to make improvements for future AHN students.”

The Murphy’s have a long history of supporting the Academy. Renée Murphy volunteered countless hours as a co-chair of the Strategic Plan’s student life domain. She also serves as a member of the Mothers’ Association and the Black and White by the Bay Auction planning committee. Through ReliaQuest, Brian has provided cybersecurity internships to Academy’s high school students, providing real-world experience in IT and entrepreneurship at the company’s downtown Tampa headquarters. Additionally, ReliaQuest has been a leading supporter of the Dads Club, the AHN Golf Tournament, and the Black and White by the Bay Auction.

Our sincerest thank you to Brian and Renée Murphy and everyone in the Academy community for choosing the Academy and helping its light shine brighter than ever.