Chicago, IL — The DePaul University community is deeply mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Malik Murray, a revered member of the Board of Trustees, whose contributions to the university and the wider Chicago community were nothing short of transformative. Malik’s death has left a profound void not only at DePaul but also in the many circles of people whose lives he touched with his leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. A Chicago native, Malik’s legacy as a mentor, visionary leader, and advocate for education and social justice will forever be woven into the fabric of DePaul University.

A Legacy of Leadership at DePaul University

Malik Murray’s journey at DePaul University began long before he joined the Board of Trustees. His connection to the institution was rooted in a deeply held belief in the power of education to transform lives. His personal commitment to these values allowed him to make an indelible mark on the university’s growth and direction. Appointed to the Board of Trustees, Malik brought with him an exceptional blend of wisdom, vision, and heart that helped shape the university’s strategies, policies, and community engagement initiatives.

During his tenure, Malik consistently demonstrated his dedication to the university’s mission of serving others with dignity and compassion. His work on the Board was marked by his advocacy for student-centered initiatives, including scholarships, diversity programs, and support systems aimed at helping students from underrepresented communities thrive. Malik’s belief in the potential of every student was unwavering, and his efforts ensured that DePaul University would continue to be a place of opportunity, growth, and inclusion.

As a trustee, Malik was not only an advocate for change but also a catalyst for action. His contributions to DePaul were vast, from helping to steer major strategic initiatives to offering valuable guidance on institutional goals. His leadership, often quiet and behind the scenes, was critical in positioning the university as a leader in higher education. He believed that DePaul’s strength lay in its ability to balance academic excellence with its commitment to social responsibility and service.

A Champion for Diversity and Inclusion

Malik Murray’s commitment to diversity was not simply a part of his role as a trustee; it was a personal conviction. He was deeply invested in creating an inclusive environment at DePaul where all students, regardless of background, could excel. He recognized that true success in higher education requires more than just academic achievements; it demands an environment that values the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges that students from diverse communities bring.

In his time on the Board, Malik played an instrumental role in promoting scholarships for first-generation students, expanding outreach programs for students of color, and advocating for initiatives that would make higher education more accessible to those who have traditionally been marginalized. He understood that DePaul’s mission to serve others required a continuous effort to break down barriers and create opportunities. This vision was not just about broadening access but ensuring that once students arrived at DePaul, they had the resources, support, and encouragement needed to succeed.

Malik’s efforts extended beyond the Boardroom. He served as a mentor to many, offering guidance to students and young professionals, particularly those from communities that had often been excluded from spaces of power and influence. His mentorship went far beyond career advice—he was deeply invested in his mentees’ personal growth, encouraging them to lead with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.

The Impact of His Leadership

The impact of Malik’s leadership extended far beyond DePaul University. As a civic-minded individual, Malik was a trusted advisor to various local organizations, charities, and initiatives. He worked tirelessly to advocate for the underprivileged, ensuring that those without a voice were represented in critical conversations about education, social justice, and community development.

In Chicago, Malik was recognized as a trusted community leader. His influence was felt not only through his philanthropic efforts but also through his commitment to Chicago’s young people, particularly those from disenfranchised neighborhoods. His work in the city’s education system, in particular, helped create pathways for high school students to pursue higher education and for college graduates to navigate the workforce.

Malik’s ability to unite people from various walks of life was one of his most admired qualities. His commitment to creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and action brought together individuals and groups who might otherwise have been divided. His work was defined by a deep belief in the power of communities to lift each other up, and he worked diligently to ensure that all voices were heard.

The Personal Side of Malik Murray

Though Malik was an influential figure both at DePaul University and in Chicago, those who knew him best would describe him first and foremost as a family man. A devoted husband, father, son, and brother, Malik’s love for his family was unparalleled. It was in his home that Malik found his greatest joy—watching his children grow, celebrating his wife’s accomplishments, and being there for his parents and siblings during both moments of celebration and challenge.

Malik’s family life was a central part of who he was. Those who knew him closely often remarked on his ability to balance his demanding career with his deep commitment to his loved ones. He was never too busy to spend time with his children or to offer a word of support to his wife. His sense of family was rooted in his faith, which provided him with strength, purpose, and a grounding sense of love and responsibility.

Beyond his professional and family roles, Malik’s deep faith shaped much of his worldview. He was a devout man, finding strength in prayer, reflection, and a commitment to service that transcended religious boundaries. His belief in the importance of doing good in the world—of serving others selflessly—was central to everything he did. His faith was not something he kept to himself but something that manifested in his actions, his decisions, and his interactions with others.

A Lasting Legacy

Malik’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him. However, his legacy lives on in the many initiatives, people, and organizations that benefited from his leadership and generosity. His contributions to DePaul University, to the city of Chicago, and to the countless individuals whose lives he touched will continue to inspire future generations.

DePaul University has expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of Malik, with university leaders noting that his vision and generosity helped shape the institution into what it is today. “Malik Murray embodied the spirit of DePaul’s mission to serve others with dignity and compassion,” the university said in a statement. “His leadership, generosity, and vision will be profoundly missed. We are forever grateful for the contributions Malik made to our university and the lives he touched along the way.”

In the coming days, DePaul University will hold a campus-wide memorial to celebrate Malik’s life and legacy. The memorial service is expected to be a gathering of family, friends, colleagues, and students who wish to honor his memory. A tribute to his life and work, it will undoubtedly reflect the broad impact Malik had on the DePaul community.

Reflections on Malik’s Life and Contributions

Malik Murray’s life was marked by a deep sense of service, leadership, and love for his community. His contributions to education, diversity, and student success at DePaul University were invaluable, and his advocacy for underrepresented students will have a lasting impact on the university’s future. Malik’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, coupled with his unwavering dedication to family and faith, made him an exemplary figure in both his professional and personal life.

His sudden passing is a loss that will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Yet, as the DePaul community mourns, it also celebrates the profound legacy Malik has left behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In memory of Malik Murray, DePaul University and the wider Chicago community will carry forward his commitment to service, leadership, and compassion. His legacy is not just in the programs he helped build or the policies he helped shape, but in the lives he touched—students, faculty, staff, and friends alike. Malik’s impact will be felt for years to come, and the Blue Demons will forever honor his memory and the lessons he imparted.