Murphy Student Earns Dual Recognition for Outstanding Public Service
The Murphy Institute is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of one of our graduating students, Maya Shields, who has been recognized with two significant awards for her deep commitment to public service. Maya has been honored with both The Murphy Institute Public Service Award and the Jim Runsdorf Excellence in Public Service Student Award from Tulane University's Center for Public Service. She will be awarded her Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy with a double major in English and minors in Environmental Studies and International Development at Tulane's Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Maya's receipt of the Murphy Institute Public Service Award acknowledges her strong engagement with the community and her commitment to applying her understanding of political economy to address critical challenges facing our society. "Public service is not just about volunteering, but about creating systemic change," she said, a perspective that aligns with her commitment to continue public service after graduation. She plans to remain in New Orleans before applying to law school to study environmental law.
Adding to this well-deserved recognition, Maya has also been named a recipient of the prestigious Runsdorf Public Service Award. This university-wide honor celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a genuine passion for serving others. This dual recognition underscores Maya’s unwavering commitment to civic and community engagement and exemplifies academic excellence with a genuine dedication to serving her community.
As a political economy major at The Murphy Institute, Maya brings a valuable analytical perspective to her public service work. Her studies provide her with a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of societal challenges and developing effective strategies for positive change. Her ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical action exemplifies the core values of The Murphy Institute.
The faculty, staff, and students of The Murphy Institute extend their warmest congratulations to Maya on these impressive honors. Her dedication to making a meaningful difference in her community, combined with her academic accomplishments, truly embodies Murphy’s mission to cultivate engaged and impactful citizens. We are incredibly proud of Maya and look forward to her continued success in her future endeavors.
