Williams Enterprises, Inc., and Heaton Erecting have made an initial gift to Southern Polytechnic State University towards the implementation of the new John J. Murphy Memorial Steel Lab.

Jake Heaton, chairman of the board of Heaton Erecting, Inc., and an alumnus of SPSU, decided to collaborate on the project with Williams Enterprises, Inc., where Murphy served as co-founder and president. "John devoted his life and career to the construction and steel industries. His vision for a safe and productive industry will be remembered as this lab is constructed," said Heaton. The lab will be located in SPSU's CET (Civil Engineering Technology) department.

A ceremony was held October 20 for the dedication of the new lab. Among those in attendance, in addition to SPSU president Dr. Lisa Rossbacher and professors and students from the civil engineering department, were Murphy's wife Betty, his daughter Lisa Karlovic, Dale Williams of Williams Enterprises, Inc., and Jake and Carol Heaton.

Murphy, who was recognized in 1996 by the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers Union for his contributions to safety in the industry, was also co-chair of the Safety Advisory Committee for the Ironworking Industry.