The air is cool and brisk, people are squeezed shoulder to shoulder jumping up in the football stadium as they cheer their team on. The coach calls the play and the players burst into action running down the field. And there is Jack Murphy, running aside the players, camera in hand, capturing every tackle, pass and touchdown, capturing the winning moments and the losses; telling the stories of the game students would talk about the next day.
Jack Murphy looks back on his journey to Olivet, why he committed and his memories as an ONU Tiger.
Jack Murphy, a junior, majoring in Multimedia Communication with a concentration in Film Studies at Olivet Nazarene University, always knew he wanted to come to ONU, his mom has worked here for six years in the postgraduate department so the connection to the school came naturally and he committed to Olivet. Murphy liked the Communication department, the size of the school and the program available here.
“I could not do a big 10 school with thousands of people,” Murphy said. “Everyone knows everyone, in our communication classes we see the same five people, so you’re able to work well with them, mesh together and build better friendships.”
Jack Murphy, (fourth center) and dorm floor roommates win the Intercampus Dodgeball Tournament his freshman year. Photo Provided by: Jack Murphy
Olivet holds fond memories for Murphy. Freshman year, Murphy found himself jumping into the pool with his fellow team members. His dorm floor had just won their university dodgeball tournament, chasing the high they all jumped into the pool afterwards. While laughing and having a good time Murphy thought to himself “Wow, so this is what college is like!”
Film Studies
Murphy did not always want to pursue a degree in film studies, he would watch movies at home but that was the extent of his experience. An introductory film class in high school set the tone for his passion for film. He was able to study the classic films like “American Psycho” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“I found out there’s more movies outside the blockbusters,” Murphy said.
Murphy looks for inspiration outdoors. He likes to get outside and look around.
Jack works on his passion is film studies and video production. He has taken a knee to get the best image of the Halloween pumpkins. Photo by: Karen Villasenor
“If you’re sitting in a room, looking at a wall, you’re not going to be inspired,” Murphy said. “If you can get outside, look around, there can be a small thing can that be expanded into something bigger.” Murphy adds that anything can be content.
“It could be the most miniscule aspect, but it could be related to someone else and turn into something bigger.” Anything can be used to inspire someone.
Murphy’s dream is to one day direct a movie. That would be “the pinnacle” as Murphy describes it. Although, anything involved in Hollywood would satisfy him.
“I’ll be third camera guy,” Murphy said. “Anything to be involved with the production of the movie.”
Sports
Combining his love of sports and film, Murphy’s experience in film studies started out with filming highlight videos for his high school football team. Murphy says he, “loves all things sports.” Murphy adds that he “usually goes to a few Cubs games year, Wrigley Field is a beautiful ballpark.”
Murphy loves to spend time playing sports. Murphy gears up to take a shot in one of his basketball pick up games. Photo by: Karen Villasenor
Murphy enjoys all things sports and combining with his love of film. Murphy was on the film team for his high school 2022 state championship game held in the U of I stadium. Photo provided by: Jack Murphy
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Life-long friend, Zach Nelson says he and Murphy first met and bonded in pick up games. Nelson says Murphy helped him “become more outgoing” through sports.
“When he was around and I was around, we went to play baseball, basketball and pickup games,” Nelson said.
Murphy looks forward to continuing his degree at Olivet and being able to live out his film studies dream.
Murphy (center) and Nelson (far right) enjoy being outside and hanging with friends. Murphy spent the summer hiking Starved Rock. Photo provided by Jack Murphy
Creative, Intelligent, Hardworking
Zack Nelson describes life long friend, Jack Murphy.
I am an undergraduate student at Olivet Nazarene University. I am majoring in Multimedia Communications with a concentration in Journalism. I enjoy photography, writing and creating content through everyday situations.
