Robert B. Murchie (STRIVE) Endowment

The Robert B. Murchie (STRIVE) Endowment was created with a goal of continuing and honoring the civic commitment of Mr. Murchie, through grants to support youth in the region, with an emphasis on improving academic performance, promoting job readiness skills, and supporting post-secondary education.

The Endowment Fund was established at the Community Foundation in 1996 by the Trust of Robert B. Murchie. Mr. Murchie had a wish to support youth in our region; today, the Robert B. Murchie (STRIVE) Endowment at the Community Foundation continues to positively impact young people every year.

Robert B. Murchie (1894-1975)

Mr. Murchie graduated from Traverse City High School in 1912 and from the law school at the University of Michigan in 1917. He practiced law in Detroit from 1919-1934 and in Traverse City from 1934 until his passing. He was a founder and senior partner of Murchie, Calcutt, and Sondee (now Calcutt, Rogers and Boynton).

He served as president of Traverse City Chamber of Commerce in 1938 and was chairman of the committee responsible for the location and construction of Grandview Parkway. Mr. Murchie was a proud Rotarian and served as president of Traverse City Rotary Club in 1939-40. He was active in the community throughout his life and demonstrated his civic commitment in a number of ways, including as president of Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association in 1961 and as co-chair of the committee responsible for the success of the original campaign for funds with which Munson Medical Center was organized and constructed independently of the Traverse City State Hospital. Mr. Murchie was recipient of Traverse City’s Distinguished Service Award in 1946.