Firm Sponsors Annual Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheons Honoring Murphy Desmond Founder

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) held the Annual Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheons at Nakoma Golf Club in Madison on May 13, 2025, and the Wisconsin Club-Country Club in Milwaukee on May 15, 2025.

The event brings together WHS members, WHS staff, and Murphy Legacy Circle members who have included the WHS by name in their estate plans.

Our founder Mr. Murphy was actively involved with the mission of WHS and its Foundation for nearly 50 years. The Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle was created in his honor.

Murphy Desmond Shareholder and Vice President Matt Fleming addressed the attendees at the Madison event with some interesting anecdotes about Mr. Murphy. Matt mentioned Mr. Murphy’s love of history, reading, and learning. He told of memo written by Mr. Murphy in the 1990s about civility in the workplace that the firm still circulates to all employees every year. Matt also shared a paragraph from a letter Mr. Murphy wrote to a young associate about the importance of being a well-rounded and balanced individual that includes time for “planning, public service, head-stretching reading, recreation and family as well as a career.”

This year’s program featured the WHS ‘s Education team, who develops publications and programs about Wisconsin history for classrooms throughout the state. Abby Pfisterer (Director of PK-12 Education) and Jessica Schmitz (National History Day Coordinator) discussed their work and the joy and learning it brings to Wisconsin children.

Murphy Desmond sponsors these luncheons each year as they allow the firm to revisit Mr. Murphy’s legacy of giving back to the community and offers an opportunity to support the mission of the WHS.

Murphy Desmond representatives were in attendance at the 2025 Annual Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheon in Madison on May 13, 2025. (Clockwise, starting from front center left): Lane Rideout, Alex Becker, Harvey Wendel, Lydia Thompson, Kathy Brickl, Terri Venker, Larry Bechler, Sarah DeKraay, Matt Fleming, Gretchen Burgess.