Brian Hotson is a past-editor of CWCR/ACCR/RCCR.
Terrence (Terry) Murphy was a creator and ardent supporter of writing centres and academic writing in Atlantic Canada. As Dean of Arts at Memorial University in Newfoundland (1993-2001), he advocated for the founding of its writing centre in 1984 and later the centre at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, in 2005. Terry retired from Saint Mary’s University as Vice-President, Academic and Research (2001-2010). However, he continued to devote many hours to students by mentoring, advising, and supervising graduate work, well after his retirement, and appointment as a Professor Emeritus, in 2013.
Terry’s academic field was religion and history, specifically the religious history of settler Canada. He served as past editor of Historical Studies, the journal of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association (CCHA), and author for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. He also co-authored and co-published several publications, including Creed and Culture: the Place of English-speaking Catholics in Canadian Society, 1750-1930 (McGill-Queen’s UP, 1993) and A Concise History of Christianity in Canada (OUP, 1996). An advocate for immigration and immigrants, he chaired the Atlantic Metropolis Centre for Excellence in Immigration Research (2004-2013), as well as efforts to sponsor refugees.
Never Dr. Murphy, Terry’s equanimity, generosity, and curiosity will be remembered. As writing centre director, I was witness to the many, many students he impacted directly. As I was completing my Master’s degree in 2011, he provided me with guidance and mentorship that helped me get things done. He was also curious about writing. Terry once stopped me to ask about the usage of which and that in a sentence he was puzzling over. He was the only VP I ever discussed restrictive and non-restrictive clauses with.
Terry died in Halifax on October 23, 2025. He was 77.