It is with a very heavy heart that I share that Claudia Murphy, former Drake University Head Start staff member, passed away on Oct. 15.  Please see below for her obituary.

For those that were not fortunate enough to know or work with Claudia, she was with the Drake University Head Start for more than 30 years—since January of 1990.  Claudia retired in February 2023.

Claudia was instrumental in establishing our agency’s governance structure, coordinating and facilitating many variations of that structure,  supporting thousands of parents and families, recruiting and coordinating with numerous community members as well as University Leadership. Claudia was fiercely committed to the belief that parents and families are their child’s first and most important teacher, and she lived that out through the work she did every day.  Her drive and passion to support and engage families was infectious.

Claudia also led the agency’s work in recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers and helping to generate non-federal share. Connecting our program to individuals and organizations throughout central Iowa, bringing them into the program, generating donations to support the work staff do, and showcasing the program for the past 30 years.

She also helped to bring the Living History Farms, Science Center and Zoo events to our families every year – rain or shine, snow storms and all.

Claudia had a one-of-a-kind ability to engage and uplift parents and families. Her kindness and integrity are unmatched. You simply could not be in Claudia’s presence and not feel safe, supported and empowered.  When you were with Claudia, you knew you mattered!

What Claudia has contributed to Drake University Head Start and the communities we serve is truly remarkable and immeasurable. When I look at the high quality, supportive, innovative and impactful program that Drake University Head Start is today, I see Claudia’s influence throughout. She was passionate about Head Start. Claudia truly embodied everything that is our core values, and she will be missed beyond measure.

Read Claudia’s full obituary here.

— Lisa Proctor, Director of Drake University Head Start/Early Head Start